Australia could consider playing three frontline spinners to try and close the margin to 3-2

Andrew McGlashan08-Aug-2021Big PictureIt’s been a weird T20 series: 120 feels like a batting side has reached the stars, Australia have barely been able to lay a bat on the brilliant Mustafizur Rahman, a debutant has taken a hat-trick and there’s been a 30-run over with five sixes amid a lot of prodding and poking.Bangladesh have achieved what they set out to do – beat Australia – and the confidence gained from winning can never be discounted, but the true value of these performances may not be known until the T20 World Cup. Before then they face New Zealand at home and it will be very interesting to see the types of surfaces produced.Whether pitches were 100 is nearly defendable – Bangladesh were probably one breakthrough away from going 4-0 up – is good T20 is a decent debate, although the challenges of preparing surfaces for this series in terms of the weather and tight Covid protocols should be acknowledged. No one wants roads all the time, and the occasional low-scoring scrap is enjoyable, but when cutters are jumping off a length and batters have little confidence they can play their strokes it’s perhaps tilted a little too far the other way.For Australia this will likely be their last T20 before they select their World Cup squad. Mitchell Marsh will emerge as one of the standout performers, the bowling attack has held up very well and Dan Christian’s onslaught in the fourth match was a statement. But it’s difficult to say they will head home having really answered the pre-tour questions. Justin Langer will hope to have the absent players back – a lot rests on their shoulders.Related

Bangladesh register historic series win against Australia

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Christian, bowlers help Australia pull one back

Form guide (last five completed matches)
Bangladesh LWWWL
Australia WLLLWLIn the spotlightThis has been a tough series for batters to prosper, but Soumya Sarkar has had a particularly difficult time at the top of the order with scores of 2, 0, 2 and 8. Josh Hazlewood has caused him problems and taken his wicket twice. He had scored three half-centuries in the previous two series against New Zealand and Zimbabwe but may have now given the selectors something to ponder.Through these twin tours it has felt that Matthew Wade is locked in to be Australia’s keeper at the World Cup. He started this series in the middle order – based on his likely position in that tournament – then went back to the top with returns of 13, 4, 1 and 2. If you include the matches in West Indies his highest score is 33 in nine T20 innings and his average now sits under 20. There will be mitigation given for the conditions in Bangladesh, but coupled with the debate over where the keeper bats it remains one of Australia’s unanswered questions.Team newsBangladesh have been unchanged throughout the series. Will they make it five games in row or now that the whitewash is off the table have a look a few other players?Bangladesh (possible) 1 Mohammad Naim, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mahedi Hasan, 5 Mahmudullah (capt), 6 Afif Hossain, 7 Shamim Hossain, 8 Nurul Hasan (wk), 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Mushtifzur Rahman, 11 Shoriful IslamAustralia have tried various combinations throughout the series. The only players not to get a game are quicks Jason Behrendorff and Wes Agar, who don’t appear in contention for the World Cup, and the injured Riley Meredith. Hazlewood has played the first four games so there is a chance he will be rested. It could also be an opportunity for Australia to try three frontline spinners.Australia (possible) 1 Matthew Wade (capt & wk), 2 Ben McDermott, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Moises Henriques, 5 Alex Carey, 6 Ashton Turner, 7 Dan Christian, 8 Ashton Agar, 9 Andrew Tye, 10 Mitchell Swepson, 11 Josh Hazlewood/Mitchell StarcPitch and conditions”They don’t compare to anything I’ve faced in my career. These are as difficult conditions as I’ve seen for T20 cricket – 120 is like 190,” Christian said after the fourth game. It would be a surprise if anything changed for the last match.Stats and trivia With a scoring rate of 5.86, this is the slowest T20I series of at least three matches in history Christian’s 39 off 15 balls was the second-fastest 30+ score by an Australia batter in T20Is No team has gone unchanged through a T20 series of more than three matchesQuotes”As a batting unit I think we need to be a bit more cautious and a bit more sensible.”
“I might be a little bit biased here, but certainly something that I think could work for us as well. Fingers crossed that might eventuate but we’ll have to wait and see.”

It's safe to say that this has not been a rip-roaring start to the new season for Tottenham Hotspur. They may have dispatched Everton with some aplomb but they have now dropped points to Leicester City and Newcastle United.

The draw with Leicester across the opening round of fixtures was painful but the 2-1 loss at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon will no doubt sting even more.

Spurs arguably had the better chances, hitting the bar and constantly getting into promising positions courtesy of wide players Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson.

However, their defensive susceptibilities came back to bite them on a ground where, let's be honest, they've been pretty dreadful in recent years.

Remember that 6-1 defeat? Of course, you do. Things weren't quite as bad this time around obviously but it still left plenty to be desired.

Why Tottenham lost to Newcastle

A lack of end product could be blamed for Spurs' defeat on Tyneside. After all, they only found the net courtesy of an own goal from Dan Burn.

It was Johnson who was crucial to that goal and he was a big threat when he came on at half time, attempting three crosses and completing both of his two dribble attempts.

However, there wasn't much forthcoming from his fellow winger in summer signing Odobert. The Frenchman was a threat but that final pass was missing on too many occasions. He created just one key pass and missed a 'big chance' of his own,

It was ultimately their defensive performance that let them down the most. Players were caught out of position for both goals, scored in the first 45 minutes by Harvey Barnes and then in the second period by Alexander Isak, a man who has proven himself to be a constant thorn in Tottenham's backline over the years.

While standing out in moments, Cristian Romero must share some of the blame for Sunday's dropped points.

Cristian Romero's performance in numbers

Romero is one the most elusive football players going. On his day, the Argentine is a titan at the back and he pops up with pretty important moments in the final third too, scoring against Everton last week.

However, he's also rash and hot-headed, the first trait we saw for both goals conceded by Postecoglou's men.

For the first, Romero went sprinting out of the backline to press the Newcastle midfield but in the process of forcing a throw-in, Eddie Howe's side took it quickly. Where did the ball go? Exactly where the Spurs defender should have been, with the delivery sent straight into the path of Barnes who fired home.

He was arguably more at fault for the second. Once more he was caught straying out of position which left an acre of space in behind for Newcastle to capitalise on. Capitalise they did.

Jacob Murphy darted onto a ball and then slid it across the face of the goal for Isak who was handed a tap-in. That moment drew notable criticism from the Sky Sports commentary team, who stated: "Truly dreadful, you can't ball watch, you've got to drop off. Romero just seems to be watching the ball, he's got no idea where Murphy is. Udogie gets sucked in too."

Romero vs Newcastle
Minutes played	90
Touches	60
Accurate passes	46/53 (87%)
Key passes	0
Long balls	0/3
Clearances	2
Interceptions	0
Tackles	2
Ground duels won	2/2
Aerial duels won	3/5
Stats via Sofascore.

Romero's performance was also aptly summed up by Football.London's Alasdair Gold. The reporter handed him a 5/10 match rating, writing that he 'defended well until the goal when he was caught out of position after pressing up the pitch. Caught flat-footed for the second goal as well.'

So, two moments where the defender lost his concentration cost his team today and Spurs will now have to stew on this one for two weeks until the Premier League returns following the international break.

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The agent of an "exceptional" Rangers player has held talks with a new club over a move away for his client this week, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Summer of exits at Rangers

The Gers had one of their busiest summers in recent memory when it came to new signings, with nine fresh faces brought in to add to the depth within Philippe Clement's squad. Such was the focus in incomings, however, that it's easy to forget that a number of established stars also brought an end to their time at Ibrox, heightening the need for additions.

The likes of Borna Barisic, John Lundstram and Kemar Roofe all left when their respective contracts expired, meaning Clement lost a huge amount of experience and quality in the same period.

There has also been plenty of speculation regarding the future of James Tavernier at Rangers, with the right-back linked with a move away from the club all summer long. In fact, the Scottish Premiership side are even believed to be open to the idea of selling him, perhaps feeling that now is the right time to receive a hefty amount of money for his signature.

Now, another significant claim has emerged – one that suggests the Englishman could soon be an ex-Gers player, following a magnificent spell at Ibrox.

"Exceptional" Rangers ace in talks over exit

According to Takvim [via Sport Witness], Besiktas are now looking to complete the signing of Rangers captain James Tavernier this week, snapping him up before the summer transfer window closes in Turkey on Friday.

They are believed to have held talks with the 32-year-old's agent over a move to the club, with former Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst now the manager of the Turkish side and wanting to get a deal over the line, telling those high up at the club to sort it over the next 96 hours.

Seeing Tavernier leave Rangers in the next few days before the Turkish window slams shut would be a sad sight for many supporters, considering what an influential performer he has been over the past nine years.

The right-back has a quite stunning record for the Scottish outfit, registering 256 goal contributions (125 goals and 131 assists) in 467, and his level of creativity and leadership will be a massive loss, weakening Clement team's significantly at a time when they are looking to get the better of rivals Celtic.

Appearances

467

Goals

125

Assists

131

On the flip side, however, Tavernier is now 32, so cashing in on him now could look beneficial further down the line, as Rangers use the funds to sign younger options in upcoming windows.

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Looking at the here and now, selling the Gers skipper feels like a monumental hit to their chances of glory – Clement has described him as "exceptional" – but the bigger picture means there is an element of sense to it, especially if he feels he wants a fresh challenge at this point in his career.

Setting their sights on solving a future problem, Manchester United are now reportedly keeping tabs on one star who could succeed Bruno Fernandes in the years to come.

Man Utd transfer news

Whilst the Red Devils can consider their summer transfer window a success story, it’s yet to really come together on the pitch for Erik ten Hag’s side. Whilst they brushed Barnsley aside 7-0 in the Carabao Cup in a game that saw their attacking options finally begin to show signs of goalscoring form, a routine but unconvincing win at Southampton which followed a humiliation at the hands of rivals Liverpool shows that there’s still work to be done.

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be well aware of the need for patience, however, after only beginning to implement his vision for the club in the summer, ridding of any previous transfer strategy in the process which usually saw stars past their peak arrive for big money and on high wages.

Now, with the focus very much shifted towards players on course to become Europe’s top stars rather than those who have already had their time in the spotlight, the Red Devils have reportedly set their sights on an eventual Fernandes replacement.

According to Fussball News, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Oscar Gloukh, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign with Red Bull Salzburg, even scoring a hat-trick in their 5-1 mauling of Blau-Weiss Linz in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Still just 20 years old, United reportedly see Gloukh as an option to eventually replace current captain Fernandes, who is 30 years old and, therefore, not someone who has a long-term future among Europe’s elite. And whilst the Portugal international’s post-football career is some way away yet, United would be wise to consider future options for a player of his calibre.

"Impressive" Gloukh should be heir to Fernandes' Man Utd role

Such is Fernandes’ talent, not many players around European football would be capable of taking his role at Manchester United, but Gloukh is certainly one of a select few. The Red Bull Salzburg star has got off to a fine start in the current campaign following a season to remember last time out in which he recorded numbers that match Fernandes’ at Old Trafford.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Oscar Gloukh

Bruno Fernandes

Appearances

29

35

Goals

7

10

Assists

11

8

Both enjoying an involvement in 18 league goals last season, Gloukh looks like the perfect heir to Fernandes’ Manchester United throne as a player who still has plenty of room for improvement at just 20 years old.

Earning significant praise thanks to his excellent rise to stardom at Salzburg, Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig described Gloukh as “impressive” and a “jewel in Salzburg’s collection” last April. Now, he is a jewel that Manchester United could add to their side in 2025 in what would be yet another impressive signing by INEOS and new sporting director Dan Ashworth.

علق بيب جوارديولا المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، على الخروج من دوري أبطال أوروبا بالخسارة من ريال مدريد.

ريال مدريد اكتسح مانشستر سيتي 3-1 في إياب ملحق دور الـ16 من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، ليكرر الفوز بعد أن تفوق بثلاثية مقابل هدفين في الذهاب.

طالع أيضًا..تقييم عمر مرموش في مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا

وقال بيب جوارديولا في تصريحات لوسائل الإعلام المختلفة بعد المباراة: “لقد فاز الفريق الأفضل، علينا أن نهنئ ريال مدريد، لقد استحقوا الفوز”.

وأضاف: “ارتكبنا أخطاء في الهدفين بمباراة الذهاب، والآن في الهدف الأول واصلنا الأخطاء، لذلك كان لابد وأن نُعاقب، خاصة مع إصابة جون ستونز”.

وأكمل: “لم نتمكن من التعامل مع القوة البدنية لـ ريال مدريد، لذلك لم نتمكن من السيطرة على الكرة كثيرًا، وافتقدنا لكل شيء في المباراتين، باستثناء أول نصف ساعة في مباراة الذهاب”.

وأشار: “كانت المباراة سهلة بالنسبة لـ ريال مدريد، فعلوا ما أرادوا، ولم نتمكن من التصدي لهم، لديهم جودة هائلة في الهجوم”.

وأردف: “هدفنا الآن هو الاستمرار في المنافسة بالدوري الإنجليزي، من أجل التأهل لـ دوري أبطال أوروبا الموسم المقبل، الفوز على ليفربول أحد أهدافنا، وأقربهم في الأسبوع المقبل”.

واختتم: “أريد الاستمرار مع مانشستر سيتي، أحب هذا النادي، ورغبتي هي الاستمرار، لم نقدم أفضل ما لدينا في دوري الأبطال، وكنا نستحق الخروج”.

Real Madrid have set a maximum limit on the amount they are willing to spend on Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the January window.

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Real want to sign Trent in JanuaryReady to pay a transfer fee for the full-backLiverpool rejected initial approach from RealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , Los Blancos are ready to pay a transfer fee to secure Alexander-Arnold's signature in the January transfer window. However, they have set a spending limit for the English full-back. Alexander-Arnold has made it clear that he will exit Anfield in 2025 after he rejected yet another contract renewal offer from the Reds.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Spanish champions have been plagued with multiple injury woes in the 2024-25 campaign, with their backline suffering the most. As a result, they are looking to add a new defender in the January window. The club are reportedly willing to pay up to €25 million (£20m/$26m) for Alexander-Arnold this month. However, if Liverpool do not agree to the sale, Real will wait until the summer to sign the England international on a free transfer.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to journalist , Real have already launched their first approach to buy Alexander-Arnold in the winter window, but that was emphatically rejected by the Premier League leaders.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool will be back in action this Sunday as they host rivals Manchester United in a crucial Premier League encounter, with Alexander-Arnold likely to retain his place in Arne Slot's starting XI despite the ongoing speculation over his future.

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste domingo, oBrasil de Pelotas decide, diante do Rio Grandense, no estádio Bento Freitas, a classificação para a final do Campeonato Gaúcho sub-20. Caso vença, o Xavante quebrará um tabu que já dura 32 anos e ainda disputará, novamente, a final estadual em busca do inédito título.

>Veja as obras da Arena MRV em imagens exclusivas do LANCE!

Também vale lembrar que a equipe comandada por Filipe Sudré praticamente não teve tempo para descansar, tendo em vista que derrotou o Caxias fora de casa na última sexta-feira, retornou para Pelotas na madrugada e fez o apronto no sábado.

– Seis meses atrás o Brasil de pelotas não tinha base. Com a chegada da GSA (empresa que gere a base do clube), iniciamos um excelente trabalho e hoje estamos numa semifinal de Gauchão. Vamos decidir a vaga pra final em casa com o apoio da nossa torcida maravilhosa, que vai lotar o Bento Freitas. Tivemos 3 jogos em sequência fora de casa, dois desses jogos foram pelas oitavas e pela as quartas. Agora vai ser em casa e a torcida xavante vai fazer a diferença. A expectativa é grande mas vamos seguir com a cabeça firme e os pés no chão – lembrou Filipe Sudré.

Com quatro vitórias, três derrotas e um empate desde que chegou a Pelotas, o técnico mudou o jeito do time jogar e, consequentemente, transformou a equipe que vinha tendo dificuldades na competição. Inclusive, um dos resultados positivos ocorreu justamente diante do Rio Grandense, na primeira fase do torneio. De olho na vaga na final, o treinador espera uma partida decida nos detalhes.

> Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão

– Fizemos um jogo muito disputado e com muitos gols, na ocasião vencemos de 4×3 na casa do adversário. Agora será diferente, vamos respeita-lo, mas com certeza iremos impor o nosso estilo de jogo e vamos partir pra cima. No Bento Freitas a atmosfera é diferente e junto da nossa torcida vamos fazer um bom jogo, se Deus quiser, e sair com a vitória – encerrou Filipe Sudré.

Brasil de Pelotas e Rio Grandense entram em campo neste domingo, às 15h30. No mesmo horário, Internacional e Ypiranga duelam pela outra vaga, na morada dos Quero-queros.

Sri Lanka have lost all but one of their nine completed ODIs this year

Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Jul-20214:51

Aakash Chopra: Whoever has got an opportunity has impressed

Big pictureLess than 48 hours after India put the finishing touches on their thumping of Sri Lanka in the first ODI, the teams have to go again. If you’re a Sri Lanka fan, hold on tight. This might not be pretty.In many senses, we didn’t really learn much from the first match. It was already known that Sri Lanka lack world-class batters. Although the likes of Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa struck attractive boundaries, there was no one to hold the innings together. But for No. 8 Chamika Karunaratne’s unbeaten 43 off 35 balls, Sri Lanka may have stumbled to a truly sub-par total.There was also no surprise in Shikhar Dhawan – a modern ODI behemoth – ending up the game’s top scorer. And India’s staggering batting depth was suspected too; their top order expected to flex against a Sri Lanka attack that has some talent but is woefully light on experience and direction. Still, the breathtaking confidence and striking ability of Prithvi Shaw, Ishan Kishan, and later, Suryakumar Yadav would have quickened pulses around the world. On its own, this young top order is a reason to tune in.If Sri Lanka want to push India on Tuesday, there are a giant list of things they must correct. Their inability to rotate the strike against the spinners held them back during the middle overs, as batters played laboured block-or-bash innings; their fielding was poor, with two chances going down on the boundary; and while Dushmantha Chameera was good again with the new ball, they need to find a more reliable seam-bowling partner than Isuru Udana, who was taken apart in the powerplay and bowled only two overs.Form guide (completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LLLWL
India WWLWWIn the spotlightWhile wristspinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav went looking for wickets, Krunal Pandya kept things tight through the middle overs – his left-arm spin going for only 26 runs in 10 overs. In four ODI appearances, this was by far his best bowling performance – he had actually been bashed around by England in March. In that series, Krunal had showed off his hitting ability at ODI level. If he can add stability to India’s spin attack too, he makes a strong case for consistent selection.Dushmantha Chameera didn’t get any wickets on Sunday, and yet, made several India batters uncomfortable with his pace. While Kishan was walloping everyone else, Chameera was the one bowler who seriously tested him, peppering him with short balls. Chameera had been one of Sri Lanka’s few positives from the recent tour of England, and has finally built up some rhythm after years of his career being frustrated by injuries. With the quick turnarounds this series though, Sri Lanka run the risk of him picking up niggles. As he is one of the few performing players in this side, they can’t really afford to leave him out either.Dushmantha Chameera was the only bowler who tested Ishan Kishan in the tour opener•SLC

Pitch and conditionsExpect another surface that offers plenty of turn, but remains pretty good for batting. Although showers can occasionally roll through at this time of year, the weather is expected to be good on Tuesday.Team newsWith Bhuvneshwar Kumar having been slightly off – particularly at the death – on Sunday, India may bring in Navdeep Saini.India (possible): 1 Prithvi Shaw, 2 Shikhar Dhawan (capt.), 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Suryakumar Yadav, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Yuzvendra ChahalSri Lanka will probably rethink Udana’s presence in the team. Lahiru Kumara or Kasun Rajitha are likeliest to replace him.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Avishka Fernando, 2 Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt.), 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Lakshan Sandakan, 11 Lahiru KumaraStats and triviaDhawan became the second-fastest India batter to 6000 ODI runs, getting there in 140 innings. Only Hashim Amla (123 inns), Virat Kohli (136) and Kane Williamson (139) have been faster to the milestone.Sri Lanka have lost all but one of their nine completed ODIs this year. Kishan had also hit a half century on T20 international debut. The only other batter to achieve this double is South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen.

Tottenham Hotspur have only won two of their opening five Premier League matches, but have a chance to record a statement victory to kickstart their season against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Both United and Spurs sit on seven points after five top-flight matches, which is middling ground at best. However, the Lilywhites have now won their past three matches in all competitions and look to be building their fluency and oiling the mechanics at just the right time.

Thursday evening’s victory over Qarabag highlighted Tottenham’s togetherness. Radu Dragusin blew his chance to make an impression in the starting line-up, sent off after just 12 minutes. Still, the Romanian centre-back’s mishap only strengthened the Londoners’ accord, for they dispatched their Azerbaijani opponents with a confident 3-0 win.

We all know that Ange Postecoglou won’t diverge from his high-octane and aggressive style of football, but he may have to implement it at The Theatre of Dreams without his skipper.

Why Heung-min Son might not start

Heung-min Son has been impressive over the first few months of the season, scoring two goals and claiming two assists across five matches in the Premier League.

He’s created 13 chances in the league this term which is more than any of his teammates, emphasising his multi-functionality and the influence that he instils across the team.

As per FBref, Son actually ranks among the top 3% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.

His absence will be a blow, but it might be necessary. Postecoglou admitted after the 32-year-old limped off on Thursday that he will need to balance the captain’s workload, lest he fall to an injury that sidelines him for an extended period.

He will make a late call on the South Korean’s availability against Man United but based on his acceptance that Son cannot start 40 plus matches this season, it might be worth urging caution here.

Son is Tottenham’s deadliest and most distinguished forward, and the recent goalscoring streak of Brennan Johnson and impressive displays of Dejan Kulusevski serve as a reminder that Tottenham have quality and can impress without their skipper.

1.

Harry Kane

2011-2023

435

280

2.

Jimmy Greaves

1961 – 1970

356

246

3.

Bobby Smith

1955 – 1964

292

192

4.

Heung-min Son

2015 – present

415

164

5.

Martin Chivers

1968 – 1976

332

155

Son has been praised as a “priceless” member of Tottenham’s team by new recruit Archie Gray, and though he could possibly be forced to the bench for this one, he has the skills to make a difference when introduced after the break.

Speaking of Gray, Postecoglou should consider dropping the 18-year-old talent for the Old Trafford clash, even if he did catch the eye against Qarabag.

Why Postecoglou should drop Archie Gray

It looked for all the world like Gray would sign for Brentford this summer, having been crowned the Championship Young Player of the Year for 2024/25 after an impressive breakout season with Leeds United.

Tottenham hijacked the transfer, adding Gray to the ranks for a £30m fee. He’s started life in the capital on strong footing, playing from the outset against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup third round and again against Qarabag, having also made three cameos in the Premier League.

But there’s just cause to drop him for this one. Manchester United might be a capricious team but they are also host to some of the most talented players in English football and Gray is not quite ready to make that leap.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

63

Accurate passes

28/39

Key passes

2

Possession lost

19x

Dribbles (completed)

2 (1)

Tackles

2

Clearances

2

Total duels (won)

8 (3)

He’s enterprising and sought to make things happen, but Gray also squandered possession on numerous occasions, losing the ball 19 times, and only won three of his eight ground duels. He’s framed with an impressive physique but there is growth yet to come for this 18-year-old.

Writing in their post-match ratings, the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick even gave the future England star an 8/10 score, stating: ‘Composed and eye-catching in possession, and made one outstanding run up the pitch. Defended well, even if he was often outnumbered down the right.’

Though this is the case, he must not start. Pedro Porro has been unleashed from the start in each of Tottenham’s Premier League contests thus far this season and offers the complete skillset to make a significant impact on the game.

Man United’s defensive organisation can be fragile at times and Porro’s creativity and drive will help to exploit this, but he’s also a tenacious defender and could subdue the aforementioned Rashford.

Last season, the athletic Spaniard posted 91 tackles, which was the fourth-highest from any defender. This year, he’s made 13 tackles already, with both translating to 2.6 per game.

That’s an impressive state of consistency and one that will be crucial in stifling United and turning Tottenham’s Premier League campaign toward the upper level of the table.

The 5 foot 9 talent’s protean attacking quality must not be discredited though. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 11% of full-backs for goals scored, the top 19% for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive passes per 90.

Son or no, Spurs have a real wealth of quality at their disposal, and a player like Porro, one of the club’s very best, simply has to start.

Ange must finally axe Spurs star who earns more than Udogie & Van de Ven

The experienced ace should be moved on in January.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 25, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O Náutico está interessado na contratação do goleiro Mauricio Kozlinski, nome que defende a equipe do Atlético-GO desde 2019. A informação foi confirmada em entrevista pelo próprio presidente do clube de Goiânia, Adson Batista.

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>As últimas do mercado da bola!

No que depender da questão do interesse em viabilizar o negócio, não devem haver maiores problemas já que, segundo o dirigente, existe a vontade de todos os envolvidos em fazer a transação ocorrer. Entretanto, isso não significa que não existam questões burocráticas a serem tratadas.

Apesar de inicialmente não existir a necessidade do Náutico pagar qualquer valor de transferência ao Atlético-GO pela liberação do arqueiro de 30 anos de idade (tanto o clube goiano como o jogador estão de acordo em encerrar o vínculo com término em dezembro de 2022), Kozlinski e o Atlético precisam se resolver sobre valores a serem pagos pelo período de estadia do jogador no Dragão.

Se no ano de sua chegada o atleta teve grande espaço e sustentou a titularidade na campanha onde o clube retornou a elite do futebol nacional, já na temporada 2020 Mauricio viu as oportunidades diminuirem drasticamente. Algo que, em 2021, ficou ainda mais latente com a disponibilidade de Fernando Miguel e Luan Polli no setor.

A possibilidade de Kozlinski ser contratado pelo Avlirrubro vai ao encontro de uma clara necessidade do clube pernambucano não apenas para angariar opções, mas sim para encontrar um “dono” da posição. Isso porque os dois últimos ocupantes do posto não serão alternativas para 2022 com o não prolongamento do vínculo de Alex Alves e o retorno de Anderson para o Athletico-PR, clube detentor de seus direitos.