Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard crossed paths with Tottenham hero Son Heung-min in South Korea this week.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
MatériaMais Notícias
Com jogadores convocados para as seleções de Brasil, Uruguai, Chile e Paraguai para a disputa da Copa América, que começa no próximo domingo, o Flamengo deseja a paralisação do Campeonato Brasileiro durante a competição. Vice-presidente jurídico do clube, Rodrigo Dunshee de Abranches disse que o Rubro-Negro foi até o STJD para tentar a interrupção do torneio.
+ Veja a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro
RelacionadasFlamengoFlamengo empata com o Grêmio como o time com mais vitórias na Copa do BrasilFlamengo10/06/2021FlamengoVÍDEO: O gol de Rodrigo Muniz na vitória do Flamengo sobre o CoritibaFlamengo10/06/2021FlamengoDiego admite queda do Flamengo no segundo tempo, mas valoriza vitóriaFlamengo10/06/2021
Após a vitória sobre o Coritiba, na quinta-feira, o dirigente usou sua conta no Twitter para dizer que o clube está entrando com um pedido na Justiça Desportiva. Com cinco jogadores convocados ao todo, o Flamengo entende que o Campeonato Brasileiro deva ser paralisado como ocorreu em 2019, na última edição da Copa América.
-A CBF precisa promover o equilíbrio das competições. A base da competição é a isonomia entre os concorrentes e isso está no artigo primeiro do regulamento. Somos a favor da Seleção, mas com paralisação do campeonato. O mundo civilizado funciona assim – disse.
– Não podemos prosseguir sacrificando as competições nacionais e os clubes para fazer frente às seleções. Não dá para retroceder. Por conta desse desequilíbrio, o Flamengo se socorreu ao STJD, para que, como em 2019, seja paralisado o campeonato durante a Copa América – completou.
Fla venceu apertado hoje o "jogo de ida" da Copa do Brasil com o time desfalcado pela ausência de 4 jogadores brasileiros e 2 estrangeiros. Palmeiras foi desclassificado e estava sem jogadores cedidos. Vem a Copa América e, ao contrário de 2019, não querem suspender o campeonato.
— Rodrigo Dunshee de Abranches (@roddunshee) June 11, 2021
Caso a competição não seja paralisada, o Flamengo só terá jogadores de volta a partir do dia 28 de junho, quando se encerra a primeira fase da Copa América. A final, entretanto, está marcada para o dia 10 de julho. Os jogadores que desfalcarão o Flamengo no período são: Gabigol e Everton Ribeiro (Brasil), Isla (Chile), Piris da Motta (Paraguai) e Arrascaeta (Uruguai).
Dominic Bess has won praise from the players of both sides after providing a crucial contribution on the second day in Cape Town.While the figures – 1-62 from 27 overs – may not look outstanding, Bess’s control allowed England’s seamers to rotate throughout the day. With one end offering bowlers a significant amount of assistance from a crack just outside the right-hander’s off stump, Bess was required to bowl from the end offering little.That he was able to do so allowed his captain, Joe Root, to keep his seamers relatively fresh and ensured the South Africa batsmen were never able to score freely. For a man who had not played a match since September and was only called into the squad as sickness cover it was, in the words of Sam Curran, an “outstanding” effort.”Bessy did an amazing job for us the whole day,” Curran said. “He was the biggest one in our line-up. He held it all together and helped us big lads come in from the top end where there’s a bit more movement.”He was outstanding. It’s pretty obvious that none of the seamers have managed to get as much movement from the end where he was bowling and he did the same job Keshav Maharaj managed for South Africa.”Getty Images
The wicket he claimed was significant too. Dean Elgar had batted for more than four hours and looked as comfortable as anyone in the game. But, he holed out to mid-off in trying to disrupt England’s plans by hitting Bess out of the attack. It triggered a collapse of sorts; South Africa losing five wickets for 58 runs.”I played with him at Somerset a couple of years ago,” Elgar said. “And he was a good bowler then. Playing domestic cricket at home has given him more confidence. He bowled well. He changed his pace nicely. He’s playing for England; he can’t be that bad!”Bess’s control was, in Curran’s view, a key difference between England’s performance here and in Centurion. While in the first Test, Quinton de Kock was able to speed the game away from England, here they maintained pressure for much of the day and claimed five wickets in the final session to take the initiative. On a surface that will probably deteriorate, any first innings lead could prove crucial.”In Centurion we let de Kock get away and his innings probably changed the game,” Curran said. “But here none of the bowlers went for more than three-an-over [Ben Stokes actually went for 3.77] so it was a great day as a group.”There are great signs for us. Hopefully the sun gets on the wicket again tomorrow (Sunday) and the cracks starts to open. Then maybe it will go up and down a little bit. But we don’t want to look too far ahead. We have to get those last couple of wickets and then try and bat reallywell.”
أخطر الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، نادي الزمالك، بموعد مباراته الأولى في دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية موسم 2024-2025.
ويستهل الزمالك مواجهاته في دور المجموعات بمباراة بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي، في اللقاء الذي يقام على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.
الزمالك يتواجد في المجموعة الرابعة لـ كأس الكونفدرالية، بجانب كل من المصري البورسعيدي وبلاك بولز من موزمبيق وإنيمبا من نيجيريا.
الزمالك الذي كان قد تأهل إلى دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، بعد تخطي الشرطة الكيني بنتيجة 3-1 في مجموع المباراتين بدور الـ32.
طالع | لاعب الزمالك خارج حسابات منتخب مصر في مباراتي الرأس الأخضر وبوتسوانا
ويعد نادي الزمالك هو البطل الأخير لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، حيث حصد اللقب في الموسم الماضي بالفوز على نهضة بركان المغربي في المباراة النهائية. موعد مباراة الزمالك وبلاك بولز في كأس الكونفدرالية
وتقرر إقامة مباراة الزمالك وبلاك بولز، يوم الأربعاء الموافق 27 نوفمبر الجاري في التاسعة مساءً باستاد القاهرة الدولي.
ومن جانب آخر، يستعد فريق الزمالك لخوض مواجهة الجولة الثانية من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، عندما يلاقي سموحة مساء اليوم الجمعة، على ملعب الجيش ببرج العرب.
The tall offspinner has a strong chance of playing in the third Test, at the ground where it all began for him
Andrew McGlashan01-Jan-2020
Will Somerville runs in to bowl•Getty Images
Will Somerville has recalled being in tears in the SCG car park when he was awarded a New South Wales contract in 2014 as he prepares for the chance of making a Test appearance on the ground six years later.Williamson, Nicholls unwell
Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls sat out New Zealand’s training on New Year’s Day after reporting flu-like symptoms but it is not thought that they will be in doubt for the Sydney Test.
Both players came to the ground in the morning before it was decided they would return to the team hotel to rest.
“They’re fine, just not feeling really good today,” Shane Jurgensen said. “They had some flu symptoms and I’m sure they’ll be back training tomorrow. They’re pretty tough so just take a rest today. It’s been a big last two Tests and a good opportunity for them to have a day off and they’ll be here tomorrow.”
Somerville, the tall offspinner with three Test caps, who was a chartered accountant before a crack at professional cricket the age of 30, was a late addition to the New Zealand squad following the injury to Trent Boult. He admitted he had long had his eye on the fixture list following his return across the Tasman – lured by the prospect of more first-class cricket with Auckland – after a five-year stint with New South Wales.”It was a dream to get there [a cricket career] at 30 and I’ll never forget when Nathan Lyon had his second daughter that was my third Shield game which upgraded me to a full-time contract in 2014. I was just in tears in the car park, realising I was going to be a cricketer.”I did look at the schedule 12 months ago after I made my Test debut and I was pretty excited at the prospect. I was hoping to go on the tour and two days ago I got the call when I was playing T20 cricket for Auckland. I’m pinching myself that I’m here in front of the Members [Stand] talking to you guys.”It’s pretty special to be back where my kids were born. My mother and father in law live down the road in Coogee and the kids are staying there for the week. Very special, for sure.”He has helped bowl New Zealand to two victories (in Abu Dhabi and Colombo) in his three Tests, and in five first-class matches at the SCG took 23 wickets at 20.69. He is now a strong chance of coming into the New Zealand side for the final Test as they aim to try and avoid a whitewash, either as the lone spinner in place of the struggling Mitchell Santner, or as part of a twin-spin attack with Santner or legspinner Todd Astle, on a surface that is expected to turn.”I’ll see how things unfold in 48 hours, assessing the wicket and what the balance is going to look like. I’m hopeful for sure,” he said. “I’ll just draw on the group around me, the Black Caps and their experience more than anything. I’ve played here before so it’s familiar surroundings, [but] it’s Test cricket, a different kettle of fish and it’s going to be tough.”His nickname in the squad is ‘Dad’ on account of being one of the older members and his jovial spirit will be a boost to a team that has been heavily beaten twice in a series where it was hoped they would compete strongly.”He’s a great guy to have in the camp, he’s so positive,” Shane Jurgensen, the New Zealand bowling coach, said. “I’ll never forget when he got his first cap in Abu Dhabi to see the look on his face and the emotion. He just brings so much to the team, experience and he’s very calm and a lovely person, and a pretty good bowler.”During his time at New South Wales, Somerville bowled extensively with Steve O’Keefe and tried to learn all he could from Lyon when he wasn’t on international duty.”I spent a lot of time training as I didn’t play that many games in four years,” he said. “I bowled a lot with Steve, Beau Casson was our bowling coach and I always chatted to Nathan when he was around and tried to feed off the GOAT of offspin bowling. He’s got a very pure action and it’s nice to watch. I learned from those guys. I also spent a bit of time with Greg Matthews who gives a different perspective on things. A few really good words stick in my mind.”However, despite his time in Australian first-class cricket – and a 2016-17 season where he was New South Wales’ leading wicket-taker – there was only ever one team he wanted to play for internationally. “I always wanted to play for New Zealand, in the back of my mind growing up in Wellington, and I’ve always been an All Blacks fan.”
Government official wants board to discuss conflict charges filed by Sanjeev Gupta, among other issues
Nagraj Gollapudi14-Jan-2020The BCCI has been asked to convene a meeting of its Apex Council at the earliest by Alka Rehani Bharadwaj, the nominee of the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG), to look into the conflict of interest complaints filed by Sanjeev Gupta, a life member at the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA). The Apex Council is one of the most powerful committees of the board. It is tasked with the governance of the BCCI and ranks second after the general body.According to , on Monday, Bharadwaj, who was appointed by the CAG to be part of the BCCI’s Apex Council in December, sent an email to all the board’s five office bearers, including president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah, along with Rahul Johri, the chief executive officer.Ganguly, Shah and the other three office bearers – Arun Dhumal (treasurer), Jayesh George (joint secretary) and Mahim Verma (vice-president) – are part of the Apex Council along with Bharadwaj, two representatives from the Indian Cricketers’ Association (Aunshuman Gaekwad and Shanta Rangaswamy) and an elected representative nominated by the general body. The Apex Council has met just once (November 30) since Ganguly’s administration took charge in October, and as per the board’s constitution, it is supposed to meet every three months.In the email, Bharadwaj reportedly listed five different conflict charges Gupta had filed since Ganguly’s administration was elected. In his latest complaint, filed on Monday with the BCCI Ethics Officer, Gupta has said former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir is ineligible to be part of the cricket advisory committee (CAC), which is tasked with picking the men’s selection committee. The BCCI recently approached Gambhir, along with former India seamer Madan Lal and former India women’s cricketer Sulakshana Naik, to be part of the CAC which has been defunct since last November.In his complaint Gupta said Gambhir, being a Member of Parliament, was ineligible as per the rules listed within the BCCI’s constitution. It is not known whether that complaint is on the shortlist of conflict charges that Bharadwaj wanted to discuss with the rest of the Apex Council.One complaint that Bharadwaj did point out concerns the appointment of the former MPCA secretary Milind Kanmadikar as the team manager of the India A team, currently in New Zealand.Gupta said that Kanmadikar was ineligible because he had served as MPCA secretary until October 2019, and hence had to serve the mandatory cooling off period of three years as per the rules which were approved by the Supreme Court in 2018. As per the rules, an office bearer or an administrator needs to serve a three-year cooling off period after serving two consecutive terms (6 years).”Mr Kanmadikar is in compulsory cooling period ( he was Office Bearer of MPCA for 7 years in succession from Aug 2012 till 1 Oct 2019 ),” Gupta had said in his complaint, sent on January 9. “He stands disqualified to occupy any post whatsoever till he completes his cooling period on 1 Oct 2022 , including post as Team Official of Indian A Team.”Kanmadikar’s appointment was made by the BCCI, but Bharadwaj wanted to know the details because, as she pointed out, the office bearers did not have the power to do it themselves without discussing the matter at the Apex Council. “In terms of BCCI Rule 8 and 15, there is no provision through which either BCCI AGM or BCCI Apex Council can delegate their powers to BCCI office-bearers,” Bharadwaj said in the email, according to .Bharadwaj said she had already sent two other emails to the office bearers in which she had also asked for the minutes of the November 30 Apex Council meeting to be sent to her in addition to uploading the annual reports of the previous two years on the board’s website. “Thus, as requested on 7 January 2020, I again request for early convening of Apex Council meeting. Request you, as per my earlier mails dated 20 December 2019 and 3 January 2020, to share and also upload the Annual Reports for last 3 years on BCCI Website, in compliance with Rule 37(5) & (6) of the Constitution.”You are also requested to share the Agenda, Explanatory notes, Minutes of Apex Council meeting of 30 November 2019 and also [IPL] Governing Council meeting, last held.”Bharadwaj’s email is a significant development. The RM Lodha Committee had recommended that the CAG representative needed to be part of the Apex Council to help provide transparency and accountability in the world’s richest cricket board. The BCCI opposed the move when it was suggested, with former board president Anurag Thakur (Dhumal’s brother) controversially suggesting the CAG nominee appointment could not be allowed. Thakur was later sacked by the court for failing to implement the reforms.
Glasgow Rangers saw their final game prior to the international break called off due to a waterlogged pitch, yet the extra recovery time may be a blessing in disguise for Philippe Clement.
The Ibrox side have been ravaged by injuries over the previous few weeks and while they have continued their impressive form, the break comes at precisely the right time.
January signing Oscar Cortes suffered an injury against Kilmarnock last month which has since required surgery, and he is expected to be out long-term, a significant blow for the club.
The youngster has already scored once for the Gers and grabbed two assists, looking lively in his appearances, but he isn’t the only player who is out injured.
Abdallah Sima – scorer of 15 goals this term – has been missing since January, while minor injuries have hampered the likes of Todd Cantwell, Nico Raskin and Rabbi Matondo during spells in 2023/24.
The volume of games that the club has had to play obviously has not helped matters, but with a break of nearly two weeks providing some much-needed respite, Clement may be able to get some of his players match fit and ready to attack the final few weeks of the season.
One player who has endured his fair share of bad luck this season is Danilo, as the new signing has been out since December.
During a clash against Hearts in December, the Brazilian striker suffered a knee injury which didn’t look as serious as first anticipated.
Following the tie, Clement delivered an update on his injury, and it was not good news for the club, saying:
"Danilo has a problem with his knee because of a bad tackle in the game, an unlucky situation, part of football. Because of contact, he had a problem with his knee. The chances are he requires surgery so yes, it could be long-term.”
Indeed, the player has not been seen since and Clement has had to rely on Cyriel Dessers as his main centre-forward option over the last few months.
Prior to this knee injury, Danilo had suffered a fractured cheekbone during a match against St Johnstone in September.
The former Ajax striker nodded the Gers in front against the Saints but collided with Liam Gordan in the process and came off worse for wear.
He was out for nine games and it disrupted any momentum he had achieved during his first few weeks at the club.
It's safe to say he has not had the best of luck since moving to Glasgow, yet during his brief time on the pitch between the two injuries, Danilo has shown his class.
Michael Beale had the summer transfer window to fill the void left by departing favourites Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, and he spent rather lavishly in the process.
Cyriel Dessers cost £4.5m, Sam Lammers joined for a fee of £3m, but it was Danilo who was the big money signing of the transfer window, costing the Gers around £6m from Dutch side Feyenoord, and it looked as though the heir to Morelos had been found.
|
Danilo's Premiership stats this season |
|
|---|---|
|
Goals |
4 |
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Shots on target per game |
1.5 |
|
Successful dribbles per game |
0.8 |
|
Key passes per game |
0.9 |
|
Via Sofascore |
|
For whatever reason, however, Beale started the striker just twice before he was sacked at the start of October, with Danilo bagging three times for the Gers under the Englishman, but it wasn’t until Clement arrived that he began to be trusted more in the starting XI.
Slowly but surely, the 24-year-old gained confidence and started to look like a £6m striker. A late winner against Hearts proved to be the catalyst as he then shone during the following Premiership tie against Dundee.
The Light Blues won the match 5-0 in what was a dominating away performance, while Danilo was in wonderful form.
Not only did he get on the scoresheet, but the Brazilian grabbed an assist, registered nine total shots, succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts and made four key passes, demonstrating how impressive he was.
In truth, the striker could have scored more than once, as he missed a staggering four big chances, and it was certainly an opportunity missed to add to his goal tally.
That goal was his last for the Gers prior to suffering a knee injury, as he subsequently missed the League Cup final against Aberdeen, along with the previous three European ties.
Despite his injury issues, he still ranks sixth among the squad for goals and assists in the top flight (five), while also ranking first for scoring frequency (a goal every 133 minutes), first for shots on target per game (1.5) and fifth for goals (four), clearly showcasing his worth when given an opportunity.
Additionally, his value has also risen since joining last summer.
The centre-forward was lauded as having a “bright” showing against Sparta Prague by Clement in October and according to Football Transfers, his market value has risen to €9.4m (£8m) and it looks as though it will continue to rise, despite him missing large chunks of the season.
For context, such a fee would make him the second highest-valued player in the entire squad, ahead of the likes of Sima (£6.7m) and James Tavernier (£5.3m), but behind Wolves loanee Fabio Silva (£11m).
Market Movers
Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
It is clear that the Ibrox side have struck gold on the player, therefore. The 5 foot 8 machine may have cost £6m, a significant fee for Beale to spend, but it already looks justified considering his current valuation.
Hopefully, he regains full fitness in the next few weeks and begins to take steps to make his way back into the first-team fold, especially with the title race going right down to the wire.
Clement urgently needs an out-and-out number nine who can score from anywhere, instead of having to rely on Dessers to be the main source of goals.
Going through a rigorous pre-season ahead of the 2024/25 campaign could see the former Feyenoord striker emerge as one of Clement’s key players next term, and he could certainly spearhead the team to more trophies.
If he does, then they will no doubt make a huge profit on the player, and they can rinse and repeat the cycle to establish a player trading model at Ibrox.
Whilst West Ham United may still be thinking about their 4-3 loss against Newcastle United after taking an initial 3-1 lead, reports have handed the Hammers the best news possible to bounce back from defeat.
West Ham transfer news
The London club, now a consistent European side who still have a chance to shock the world once again by getting closer and closer to reaching the Europa League final this season, could be in for a busy summer transfer window. Before that, however, they must put an end to their managerial doubts and hope that David Moyes reaches a decision about his future sooner rather than later.
West Ham must now bench 4/10 man who was even worse than Phillips
The Hammers suffered a damaging collapse at St. James’ Park in the Premier League
ByAngus Sinclair Mar 30, 2024
The former Manchester United boss is yet to sign a new deal and is, therefore, on course to leave West Ham at the end of the season. With that said the Hammers have already been linked with the likes of Graham Potter and Steve Cooper regarding the potentially vacant job this summer in two options who have the benefit of Premier League experience.
Whoever may come in, they will instantly be tasked with repeating the work of Moyes and more by helping West Ham into Europe yet again. And reports suggest that one incoming could be on his way to taking the Hammers to the level needed for that.
According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, West Ham are now in pole position to sign Brentford's Ivan Toney this summer, with Arsenal cooling their interest in the forward recently. The England international, supposedly valued at £70m, is likely to be involved in one of the most expensive deals of the summer in the Premier League and one of the biggest shocks could be he joins West Ham.
In need of a new number nine, there's no doubt that Toney would take West Ham to the next level going forward.
"Amazing" Toney could transform West Ham
If West Ham want to bridge what has previously seemed like an impossible gap between themselves and the Premier League's top four, then signing Toney is certainly the way to go about it. The Brentford man, who has the same agent as James Ward-Prowse, is clinical at his best and would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Michail Antonio this summer, as his stats in a full season prove.
Goals
20
5
Assists
4
3
Expected Goals
18.7
6.6
Key Passes
27
15
Thomas Frank will be left wondering just how to replace Toney if he does depart this summer, having sung his praises last season, saying:
“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects. The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing. He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable. I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group. He’s got that unique emotional intelligence to be aware of all the players, and every staff member.
“Ivan trains well and he’s clearly the number two striker in England, that’s proven by his goals and performances."
The Tottenham Hotspur faithful have witnessed plenty of quality midfielders play for the beloved club in recent years, with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Moussa Dembele springing to mind.
That’s also the case this season, with Pape Matar Sarr, James Maddison, and Yves Bissouma all impressing under the influence of Ange Postecoglou.
However, despite having an extremely well-balanced midfield that provides attacking threat and defensive security, the latter could be improved, as highlighted by the fact that Spurs have only kept six clean sheets all season.
With that in mind, there is one potential summer signing who could help improve that statistic while also making the Lilywhites a much harder side to compete against.
Tottenham’s search for a new midfielder
According to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi this summer.
The defensive midfielder currently plays for Leicester City, but his contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning he could be acquired on a free transfers.
Due to the news that the Nigerian is likely to leave the club regardless of whether the Foxes are promoted or not, many Premier League clubs are now on alert.
Ndidi has the potential to become a bargain for any side that picks him up having played in 192 top-flight matches for the Foxes, but Spurs may already have the perfect role lined up for him alongside Bissouma.
Spurs set sights on "explosive" signing who could be Kulusevski 2.0
The Lilywhites are reportedly interested in a possible deal to sign the forward this summer.
ByDan Emery Apr 9, 2024 Ndidi could unleash Bissouma in a new role
Bissouma has been a key member of the Spurs midfield this campaign, starting 22 times in the Premier League.
The number eight has often been fielded as the defensive-minded midfielder in the double pivot of a 4-2-3-1, playing alongside Sarr, who’s given the freedom to roam.
The Mali international is an incredibly important player for the Australian boss, sitting slightly deeper to control the game and regain possession for the team, as shown by his 92% pass accuracy and three tackles per game.
However, Bissouma has shown glimpses of having much more to offer than the role he’s playing right now, and the signing of Ndidi could see his shackled attributes unleashed.
Ndidi's 20/21 PL Stats
Stats (per game)
Ndidi
Interceptions
2.3
Tackles
3.7
Clearances
2
Duels won
7.1
Pass accuracy
87%
Touches
71
Via Sofascore
As you can see by the table above showcasing his average statistics from the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, it’s easy to understand why Ndidi is known for being a defensive “machine,” as per analyst Raj Chohan.
The midfielder is extremely strong in the duel, covers ground extremely well, and sniffs out danger with ease, and between him and Bissouma, the Spurs midfield would be extremely difficult to bypass.
However, from an in-possession perspective, the added security of the 27-year-old could potentially enable Bissouma to express himself on the ball much more frequently, especially in the final third.
Last weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest highlighted Bissouma’s urge to impact the game in the attacking phases, unleashing four shots in the first half from range.
Furthermore, during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star was allowed to show his creativity and technical quality, as displayed via his two big chances created and 1.2 key passes per game.
Overall, the potential signing of Ndidi on a free would be a great pickup for any club, even if he didn’t slot into the best XI, but he could certainly have a great impact in the Spurs midfield, enabling Bissouma to be unleashed further forward.
At this stage, it's uncertain if fifth place in the Premier League will secure Champions League football next season, and while Tottenham Hotspur have a nine-point buffer over sixth-place Manchester United, jumping over Aston Villa will put any doubts to bed.
Ange Postecoglou has been vocal in his opinion that securing a place in Europe's top tournament is not the be-all and end-all, and while his words certainly ring true, supporters will yearn for a place in the Champions League to progress and compete against the best around.
After his fashion, Postecoglou will too. And in order to achieve this Spurs simply must defeat Nottingham Forest in north London this evening, having dropped points at West Ham United on Tuesday evening.
While he's a man bang in form, the Lilywhites manager might opt to move Brennan Johnson back to the bench; the Wales international has been a fitness concern after limping off at the London Stadium.
Why Brennan Johnson should be benched
Signed from today's opposition for £47.5m on transfer deadline day last summer, Johnson has been excellent for Tottenham and at just 22 years old, there is an exciting amount of room for growth.
He's been in a particularly brilliant showing recently but sustained a knock after opening the scoring against West Ham, and while he has been cleared, Postecoglou might be wary of aggravating the issue.
Luton Town (H)
2-1 win
45'
1
0
Crystal Palace (H)
3-1 win
27'
0
2
Wolves (H)
2-1 loss
19'
0
0
Brighton (H)
2-1 win
28'
1
0
Brentford (A)
3-2 win
45'
1
0
Clearly, he's quite effective off the bench, and could make all the difference against his former outfit should the going get tough in the early stages – it certainly wouldn't be the biggest surprise.
Why take the risk after he felt discomfort last time out, especially with Dejan Kulusevski desperate to rekindle his finest form?
Why Dejan Kulusevski must be unleashed vs Forest
With Richarlison ruled out after tweaking his knee, Heung-min Son will serve as the focal frontman once again, meaning Timo Werner should retain his starting spot on the left flank.
Given that Johnson might not be handed a role from the outset, Kulusevski would be the obvious choice on the James Maddison's right after being benched in midweek,
As per Sofascore, the Sweden international has scored six goals and supplied three assists from 28 Premier League matches this season, creating 12 big chances, completing 80% of his passes and averaging 2.0 key passes, 1.8 tackles and 4.1 ball recoveries per game.
Moreover, the 6 foot 1 star ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles and the top 20% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his prowess as a multi-functioning attacking player.
The 23-year-old has only posted a goal and assist apiece across his last 11 outings in the top-flight and this is a concern, but he's a veritable workhorse and will be determined to recover his form and enter a purple patch to close out the campaign.
Described as a "special, special player" by Sky Sports' Jamie Weir, he must be unleashed from the outset against Forest, bringing energy and dynamism to ensure his side hit the ground running.
Spurs were rinsed by star who earned more than Porro & Bentancur in 22/23
This stalwart bled the club dry at the end of his Tottenham career.
ByAngus Sinclair Apr 5, 2024