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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted a blockbuster £80m+ offer to sign a new left winger after saying an emotional goodbye to Son Heung-min.

Son plays final Tottenham game

Having revealed the news that he wants to leave Spurs this summer and bring an end to an iconic 13-year run last week, Son has now played his final game for the North London club. Bidding his farewell, the winger bowed out in the Lilywhites’ friendly draw against Premier League rivals Newcastle United in his home country, South Korea.

Next up for the 33-year-old seems to be MLS side LAFC, who have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Son and with Spurs over a summer switch.

As for Spurs, their next task is to replace a player that some may deem irreplaceable. Already this summer, they’ve welcomed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich, Mathys Tel in a permanent deal and Mohammed Kudus.

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Now, however, they could be about to pull off their most impressive signing yet amid reports that Daniel Levy and co. have submitted a stunning opening offer.

Tottenham submit Rodrygo offer

According to Spanish media outlets, Tottenham have now submitted an opening offer to sign Rodrygo worth as much as €100m (£87m) this summer. The Real Madrid winger has been the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months, and even agreed personal terms with the Reds recently, but with their focus elsewhere, the Lilywhites are reportedly attempting to steal the headlines with a shock move.

Interestingly, Rodrygo’s statistical profile matches up with another Liverpool signing – Florian Wirtz. Both players rank highly against their positional peers for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions and succesful take-ons, as per FBRef.

Florian Wirtz

Liverpool

Kenan Yildiz

Juventus

Nico Williams

Athletic Club

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

PSG

Amad Diallo

Manchester United

Replacing Son is no easy task for all involved in North London, but Rodrygo is arguably the best candidate to do exactly that and more. The Brazilian is a serial winner who has played a pivotal part in Real Madrid’s success in recent years. Now, he could yet become the star of the show under Thomas Frank in what would become Spurs’ record signing by a considerable margin.

However, although Real Madrid have given them permission to speak to Rodrygo, convincing the 24-year-old to swap the Spanish giants for North London will reportedly be a tough task for Tottenham chiefs. And overcoming that obstacle is likely to be the turning point to any deal getting over the line this summer.

Dubbed “special” by former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrygo continues to be linked with a summer switch to the Premier League, with Spurs the latest of a growing list of clubs to pursue his signature.

Australia survived a collapse of 7 for 28 that saw them bowled out for 142, with Kerr bagging four wickets

Alex Malcolm22-Sep-2024

Ashleigh Gardner took three wickets after missing the opening game due to a concussion scare•Getty Images

Ashleigh Gardner made a successful return from a concussion scare to claim three wickets and help Australia claim an untidy and unconvincing series win over New Zealand after a stunning collapse with the bat in the second T20I in Mackay.Australia lost 7 for 28 to be bowled out for 142 having won the toss and elected to bat. New Zealand legspinner Amelia Kerr put the world champions in a spin, claiming a career-best 4 for 20 as the home side relinquished a commanding position that had been set up by captain Alyssa Healy to be bowled out for just the second time in their last 55 T20Is.Healy made 38 off 25, which was the standout innings of the match on a surface that batters found difficult despite it looking like it would offer plenty of runs. Ellyse Perry compiled a scratchy 34 from 33 that would prove important but her dismissal to a bizarre run-out started Australia’s slide.New Zealand’s chase began cautiously and they paid the price as Australia’s bowlers squeezed. Suzie Bates made another start, scoring a run-a-ball 34, but could not kick on after guiding her side to 34 without loss in the powerplay. Gardner and Annabel Sutherland went to work taking 4 for 34 between them off eight overs in the middle and death phases to close out the game despite some shoddy fielding from Australia.Amelia Kerr returned her T20I best figures of 4 for 20•Getty Images

Healy’s hot startOn a surface where only five batters managed to strike at a rate of above 120, Healy stood head and shoulders above the pack. Molly Penfold had been the biggest threat in the first T20I and Healy took her out of the game in the first over. She thumped her down the ground on the up and then unfurled a stunning front-foot pull shot over midwicket off the next ball as Australia took 12 from the first over. She then carved Lea Tahuhu over point before lap-sweeping Eden Carson fine.She saved her best for Kerr, reverse-sweeping her from middle stump through cover point as Australia reached 48 for 1 in the powerplay. But while Healy was running hot, Perry was ice-cold. After the early loss off Beth Mooney – playing her 100th T20I – bowled by Fran Jonas trying to pull, Perry struggled for timing. She faced eight dot balls in her first 16 and was 13 off 18 at one point. She struggled to even feed Healy the strike. Healy fell trying to keep the foot down against Carson, holing out for 38 from 25. But it would prove an invaluable contribution.Kerr puts Australia in a spin cycleJust as Perry started to find some rhythm, her dismissal started Australia’s downfall and was emblematic of what was to follow. She tried to sweep Kerr and was hit on the pad. The ball bounced off her pad high above her head. Perry was confused as to where it had gone and oddly took off for a run. By the time she realised it had landed behind her, wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze had whipped off the bails to run her out for 34 off 33. Shortly after, Australia suffered a cataclysmic collapse, the likes of which has never happened to this all-conquering team.They were bowled out inside 20 overs for just the second time since the T20 World Cup 2020. It started with Phoebe Litchfield charging at Brooke Halliday’s wrong-footed medium pacers and losing her leg stump. Then Kerr whirled her way through the order. Two superb wrong’uns undid Gardner and Tahlia McGrath through the gate. Sophie Molineux was beaten in flight and stumped by a mile before Megan Schutt was done all ends up by a quicker delivery. Kerr finished with 4 for 20 from four overs. Australia looked vulnerable defending just 143.Darcie Brown and Phoebe Litchfield combined to dismiss Suzie Bates•Getty Images

Australia’s bowlers squeezeEarly wickets are always the desired way to put pressure on when defending a small total. The next best thing is to apply run-rate pressure. And that’s exactly what Australia did in the powerplay. They did not concede a boundary in the first four overs with Bates and Georgia Plimmer struggling for rhythm. Bates finally broke free against Schutt and Darcie Brown, finding the rope three times. But New Zealand only managed to score 34 runs in the powerplay despite not losing a wicket. When Plimmer dragged an attempted sweep onto her stumps off Georgia Wareham, the required rate had climbed above eight per over. It soon went over nine when Gardner got her revenge on Kerr, pinning her lbw with a subtle change of pace when she tried to sweep. Litchfield then clung onto an athletic catch at cover to remove the well-set Bates for a run-a-ball 34.Sophie Devine fell two overs later for a tortured 4 off 10 balls, which included being dropped by Brown at short third. Australia were able to close the game out from there despite more untidy fielding. New Zealand’s equation reached 54 off 18 before Maddy Green and Gaze briefly threatened to pull off a miracle. But that was only possible because of some sloppy fielding. Schutt dropped a sitter off Green at cover-point and then watched three of the next five balls reach the rope. Green then should have been run-out by Gardner attempting to steal a second but Healy fumbled the throw, which was a little wider than it could have been. But Sutherland held her nerve in the deep at long-on off Gardner to finally end Green’s rearguard.

As Thomas Frank prepares for his first season as Tottenham Hotspur manager this campaign, he will want to make an immediate impact and adhere himself to the fanbase.

The Dane has the responsibility of leading the club towards the top end of the Premier League after struggling to impress throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

He will also lead the Lilywhites into the Champions League, needing to have key depth across the squad if they are to be competitive in various competitions.

However, after taking the reins, Frank will unsurprisingly be wanting to make his own impression on the side, needing to make signings who will improve the options at his disposal.

Alongside incomings, outgoings are also needed to allow players not at the level required to move on, handing the manager the funds he needs to sustain their recent European success.

The latest on Spurs’ transfer activity this window

Centre-back Cristian Romero has been a name constantly mentioned with a move away from Spurs this summer, with Atlético and Real Madrid both interested in the Argentine.

It’s been reported over recent days that a £60m fee could be enough to prise him away from North London, potentially leaving a huge hole within the side’s backline.

However, the supporters shouldn’t worry, with moves already being made to land other defenders, leading to Castello Lukeba emerging on their shortlist, according to Foot Mercato.

The report claims that Frank’s side have been keen on a move to land the French youngster, who made 31 appearances for RB Leipzig across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that the 22-year-old currently has a €90m (£77m) release clause in his contract, but he could be allowed to depart for a lower fee should a deal be negotiated.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Romero replacement

Whilst Romero has been a player who has divided opinion during his spell at Spurs, his showing in the Europa League final is evidence of the talent he possesses.

The 27-year-old was handed the Man of the Match award during the historical triumph, and understandably so when delving into his stats from such a performance.

He made 10 clearances, five of which were with his head, along with six duels won, helping the Lilywhites keep a clean sheet and end their near two-decade wait for a piece of silverware.

Losing the Argentine would be a huge blow, leaving Frank with a massive task to replace the star who’s showcased his talent over the last couple of months in North London.

However, a deal for Lukeba would be a superb one, having all the tools to move the club in the right direction and fill the void left should the centre-back depart this window.

When comparing their respective stats from the most recent season, the Frenchman has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing why he could be the perfect replacement.

Lukeba, who’s been labelled “one of the best centre-backs” by one writer at The Athletic, has registered more progressive passes and carries per 90 in 2024/25, highlighting the ability he possesses to play out from the back.

How Lukeba compared to Romero in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Lukeba

Romero

Games played

23

18

Minutes played

1577

1416

Progressive passes

4.6

4.5

Progressive carries

1.1

0.7

% of tackles won

71%

70%

Clearances made

4.2

3.6

Blocks made

1.7

1.1

Aerials won

67%

60%

Stats via FBref

Without the ball, he’s been just as dominant, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also making more blocks, subsequently handing Frank the defensive quality he needs.

The Leipzig talent has also won more aerial duels and made more clearances per 90, with his tallies nothing short of sensational given his tender age – having the chance to improve further in the years ahead.

Whilst losing Romero would be something no Spurs fan would want this summer, Lukeba is evidence that there are better options out there within the transfer market.

It’s unclear how much the Bundesliga side could command for his services, but if the Argentine does depart North London this summer, a move for the Frenchman must be the priority.

Related More important than Kudus: Spurs plot move for "phenomenal" £40m PL star

Tottenham Hotspur are making a move to land another talented Premier League star.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 3, 2025

For so many years, winning the Premier League was the great white whale for Liverpool, elusive and unattainable, always falling short in the race for England’s biggest prize.

Then Jurgen Klopp came along, and everything changed. The German restored Anfield to its former standing as a global superpower. Now he’s gone, and Liverpool are champions once again.

Arne Slot has proved the perfect successor, and he did it all without any proper first-team investment. That owes largely to Klopp’s midfield rebuild, and indeed his work with Michael Edwards and co over so many years, piecing together lasting stars who will continue to shine through the 2025/26 campaign.

But now, the signings are flowing through in cascades, with a deal wrapped up for Bayer Leverkusen right-sider Jeremie Frimpong and an agreement finally reached for his teammate, Florian Wirtz, who will become the most expensive player in British history.

It’s a lot of money for a 22-year-old playmaker, so how exactly is Wirtz going to improve Liverpool?

Why Liverpool have signed Wirtz

Liverpool have broken the bank to sign Wirtz, but sometimes, securing such a marquee deal is worth it. Having won the Premier League last season, the Reds are now consolidating their position at the top.

And Wirtz, having conquered his homeland, is ready to make the move to English football, where he could take Kevin De Bruyne’s vacated spot as the country’s foremost number ten.

As per FBref, the playmaker ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in the Bundesliga last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and the top 5% for both progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Where Dominik Szoboszlai is industrious, Wirtz is incisive and influential to a different degree. Former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes has even gone as far as to say he’s “probably the best midfielder in the world.”

With Trent Alexander-Arnold gone, Liverpool will need to find new ways to maintain their peerless creativity; sparking chance after chance has been the foundation of their success in the Premier League across these recent successful years.

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Curious that Trent created fewer big chances (15) than across any of Liverpool’s past four top-flight campaigns. Wirtz will fix all that, and if FSG secure a talented new striker, Liverpool may just reach a whole ‘nother level.

Liverpool interested in signing LaLiga striker

As per Diego Simeone, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The renowned manager was responding to a journalist’s comments on Atletico’s striker being one of the hottest commodities on the market, and Simeone said he was flattered, name-checking Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain too.

Simeone stated: “Every club wants to sign Julián Álvarez. It’s logical. I can’t imagine it any other way. Of course every top club wants him—Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… all of them. And for us, for Atlético fans, it should be a point of pride that everyone wants him. Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we need to protect him. We have to make sure he feels happy. And how will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all need to give 110%.”

The 25-year-old Alvarez has only been in the Spanish capital for a year, but he’s enjoyed a world-class campaign and boasts dynamic attacking properties that suggest he’d be tailor-made for Slot’s system.

However, Los Colchoneros would reportedly be seeking a figure as high as €170m (£142m) to part with their star man.

What Julian Alvarez would bring to Liverpool

Alvarez enjoyed his time at Manchester City, posting 55 goal contributions across 103 matches before earning Simeone’s attention. Atletico would then sign the silky forward for £81.5m.

This sparked derision from some, but Alvarez has since proved the doubters wrong, scoring 29 goals and supplying seven assists across 54 matches in all competitions.

He’s settled into his throne as the free-scoring frontman, but he’s far more than just a goalscorer, ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe last season for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

You can only imagine how he would perform in Slot’s Liverpool system, with Wirtz pulling the strings behind him. Journalist Roy Nemer actually hailed Alvarez as “the best striker in the world” for his performances across the past year, not just striking true but working hard to outfox defenders and create space for teammates.

Moreover, he’s demonstrated a propensity to do it on the biggest stage, scoring a stunning goal against Real Madrid in Atletico’s controversial Champions League quarter-final defeat in March.

Considering Alvarez has a wealth of trophy-laden Premier League experience in Pep Guardiola’s system, Liverpool might just find themselves hitting even loftier targets next year,

As per Sofascore, the Argentina superstar only missed seven big chances across the 2024/25 La Liga campaign, converting 17 strikes. Given that he created 11 big chances and averaged 34.9 touches per game too (which is high for a centre-forward), Alvarez’s dynamic approach has been underscored.

Truly, he’s one of the deadliest and most multi-faceted forwards on the market, with exceptional off-the-ball movement that Slot could use to an emphatic effect, with Wirtz and Mohamed Salah making things happen around him.

Liverpool’s new playmaker created 17 big chances in the Bundesliga last season after winning the division’s Player of the Season award one year prior. Clearly, he’s got the world at his feet, and Alvarez would be the grateful recipient of his production if signed by Liverpool this summer.

Whether Liverpool have the financial means to bring Alvarez back to England remains to be seen. Certainly, FSG won’t green-light a deal in the ballpark of £142m.

However, if something more agreeable can be found, Liverpool have got to pounce on this one, for he would be the perfect fit for Slot’s set-up.

A right-footed Salah: £80m winger is now Liverpool's top target after Wirtz

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 10, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has placed a marquee forward at the “top” of his transfer target list ahead of the summer window, and the Gunners have responded by opening talks between all parties.

Arteta makes "clear" Arsenal transfer claim

Speaking ahead of their final Premier League game of the season against Southampton on Sunday, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s recruitment drive, Berta’s crucial role and the type of player he wants to see his club try and go for.

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Kai Havertz has returned to action already, after coming back from what was initially thought to be a season-ending hamstring injury blow, making his first appearance since February during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

The German, who’s still managed to score 15 goals in all competitions in spite of his injury woes, also looks physically transformed after months of work in the gym. However, while Havertz’s return ahead of next season comes as a boost for Arteta, he sent a “clear” message to the Gunners hierarchy that more firepower is required if they’re to mount a more successful title challenge.

“What is clear with the amount of injuries we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat, we need the firepower out there, and understanding that the context can change tomorrow,” said Arteta in a pre-match press conference.

“We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before. We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”

Arteta was also asked about their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, following recent reports he could well join Arsenal.

The 43-year-old didn’t get drawn in to named targets, but categorically refused to rule out a move for the Brazil international either, who’s bagged 13 goals and a further 10 assists from the right-wing, left-wing and at centre-forward this term.

Rodrygo "top" of Berta list with Arsenal talks opened

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared news of Arsenal working on a deal for Rodryho behind-the-scenes earlier this week, and that same reporter has now provided a further update.

Plettenberg reports that Rodrygo is actually at the “very top” of Berta’s transfer list at Arsenal too, and negotiations have begun at all avenues, presumably meaning that they’re in talks with both the £202,000-per-week forward and Real.

Arsenal are not without competition in the race for him, though, with Chelsea also reportedly holding talks with Rodrygo’s representatives ahead of the mini-transfer window from June 1 to June 10 – which would allow them to sign him before the Club World Cup.

Celtic clinched their 55th league title and their fourth Scottish Premiership title in the last four seasons with a 5-0 win over Dundee United last weekend.

The Hoops only needed a point at Tannadice Park to rubber stamp their place at the top of the division, but they claimed the trophy in style with a convincing victory.

It was a big afternoon for Brendan Rodgers and his side, as they won the league title, but it was also a big game for Ireland international Adam Idah, who made a big impact off the bench.

The former Norwich City marksman scored two goals after coming on for the injured Jota, and will now be hoping to land a regular spot in the starting XI between now and the end of the season.

He has only started 16 of his 31 appearances in the Premiership so far this term, which shows that the Irish forward has been unable to nail down a place in the side throughout the campaign.

Idah is yet to prove that he has what it takes to be the main man for Celtic in the number nine position, despite Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit in the January transfer window.

Why Kyogo Furuhashi was a success at Celtic

The Japan international joined the club from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, signed by Ange Postecoglou, and hit the ground running at Parkhead with 20 goals and five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

Kyogo did not fit the prototypical centre-forward mould, standing at 5 foot 7 and being fairly weak in his physical duels, but he made up for that with lethal finishing and exceptional movement.

The Japanese star, who scored 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, did not need to be a 6 foot 3, powerful, number nine who could bully opposition defences week-in-week-out, because he had the technical ability to impact matches without getting involved in physical tussles.

Kyogo ended his Celtic career with a return of 85 goals and 19 assists in 165 matches in all competitions, which illustrates just how effective he was at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

20

36

38

Goals

12

27

14

Duels won per game

1.7

1.2

1.5

Ground duel success rate

43%

44%

45%

Aerial duel success rate

20%

13%

26%

As you can see in the table above, the former Celtic striker consistently struggled with the physical side of the game throughout his three full Premiership seasons, yet still managed to consistently score goals.

This shows that he was a success at Parkhead because of his movement and his technical quality, and is proof that Celtic do not need a tall, physical, experienced number nine if they opt to recruit one in the summer.

Celtic eyeing Premiership striker

In fact, Celtic may be able to unearth their next version of Kyogo by signing a Premiership player whom they are now, reportedly, showing an interest in.

According to the Chronicle Live, the Hoops are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a swoop for Hearts centre-forward James Wilson ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops have ‘checked’ the 18-year-old striker out this season, in what has been his breakthrough year at senior level with the Jam Tarts, as Rodgers lines up a move for the youngster.

However, the Scottish giants will face some significant competition for his services because the outlet adds that Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, are also interested in the forward.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It also reveals that fellow Glasgow club Rangers have also checked out the teenage sensation’s performances for Hearts this term, but Celtic may have the upper hand over their rivals because they have just won the Premiership title and may be a more attractive proposition.

Why Celtic should sign James Wilson

The Hoops must, now, swoop to sign Wilson ahead of Rangers and Newcastle, and any other Premier League teams, because he has the potential to be an exciting addition to the squad.

Celtic would be signing a young player with so many years left ahead of him to develop and improve in the future, because the Scotland international only turned 18 in March, which means that there would not be too much emphasis on him needing to be an instant success.

Like Kyogo, Wilson has a lean build and is not your prototypical, physical, Scottish centre-forward who is going to win aerial duels and hold the ball up under pressure constantly.

Instead, the Scotland international is an effective finisher who has clever movement and clean technique in front of goal, which allows him to make an impact at Premiership level.

Starts

15

Goals

5

Big chances missed

4

Duels won per game

2.6

Ground duel success rate

45%

Aerial duel success rate

29%

As you can see in the table above, Wilson does not win many duels per game and he has been dominated by opposition defenders in duels on the ground and in the air throughout this season, which has been his first of regular football in the league.

This shows that he is similar to Kyogo in the sense that they both struggle with the physical side of the game, but his goal return speaks to his ability in possession.

Wilson, whose appearance as Scotland’s youngest ever debutant was described as “incredible” by Neil Critchley, scored five goals from 4.77 xG, which shows that he has been efficient in front of goals in the top-flight.

This suggests that he has the potential to be similar to Kyogo at Celtic as a centre-forward who can provide a clinical touch in the final third, without offering a physical presence, by using his movement and technical qualities to make a big impact.

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Couple that with his age profile and potential to improve, and this is why the Scottish giants should push to bring him to Parkhead in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The international break has finally come to an end, and Tottenham Hotspur are back in action this evening.

Unfortunately, given how poorly Ange Postecoglou’s side have fared in the Premier League this season, that might not be such a good thing for the fans.

However, with some time away, there is every chance the North Londoners could get back on track away to fierce rivals Chelsea, although the manager should drop Yves Bissouma from the starting lineup.

Against Fulham, the Mali international received a paltry 3/10 match rating from Alasdair Gold, who criticised him for his ‘dreadful’ use of the ball and ‘panicked’ passes, enough for him to be hooked at half-time.

Fortunately, the perfect player to replace the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace was just declared fit to play by Postecoglou in his pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Spurs team news

Postecoglou sat down and spoke to the media yesterday and revealed the state of the squad heading into today’s game.

Starting with the bad news, it should come as no surprise that Radu Dragusin is still ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery, although Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso have also been confirmed to be out of contention.

According to the Australian, the pair are “working hard” and “progressing well” but remain “a couple of weeks away” from being in contention again.

Moving from those who are 100% ruled out to those who are very unlikely to feature, and there is just one player in this category: Richarlison.

The Brazilian forward came off in the League Cup semi-final at Anfield in February and hasn’t featured since, but according to the boss, “he’s training with the main training group,” and while it’s very unlikely he features tonight, he could be involved on the weekend.

Finally, the only player confirmed to be back in contention is Lucas Bergvall. He returned from international duty early with an illness, and he should replace Bissouma in the middle of the park tonight.

Why Bergvall should start

So, based on his diabolical performance last time out, it’s not particularly hard to argue for Bissouma to be dropped, but why should Bergvall be the one to come in for him?

Well, despite still being just 19 years old, he has proven time and time again this season that he is more than capable of starting top-flight games for Spurs, and not just that, but thriving in them.

Total Carrying Distance

273.66

Top 3%

Switches

0.77

Top 4%

GCA (Shot)

0.10

Top 5%

Successful Take-Ons

1.83

Top 5%

Shots Blocked

0.67

Top 7%

Interceptions

1.64

Top 9%

Passes Completed

52.52

Top 10%

For example, FBref places the young Swede in the top 3% of midfielders in the Premier League for total carrying distance, the top 4% for switches, the top 5% for goal-creating actions from shots and successful take-ons, the top 7% for shots blocked, the top 9% for interceptions and more, all per 90.

These statistics show that the “generational” talent, as journalist Mitch Fretton dubbed him, could be the complete midfielder one day. Not only is he contributing in the attacking phase, but he’s also more than helping out with the defensive side of the game, which will be important at Stamford Bridge.

Moreover, he’s also contributed five goal involvements across all competitions, which, again, is seriously impressive for a teenager in his first season with a ‘big six’ side.

Finally, starting him over the Bissouma just makes sense from a future planning perspective. If reports suggesting the latter will be moved on in the summer are true, what is the point in playing him over a youngster who could be the future of the team’s midfield?

Ultimately, Bergvall may still be young and relatively inexperienced, but he’s already proven himself to be immensely talented this season and, therefore, has to start tonight.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2025

England seamer set to return to Asian Test conditions for first time in eight years

Matt Roller06-Oct-2024It is a phrase that most athletes use as a form of humble-brag, deferring to their impressive statistics to avoid sounding arrogant. Last year, Chris Woakes defied convention: “My away record speaks for itself,” he said, while conceding that his overseas Test career was probably over. With 36 wickets at 51.88 in 20 away Tests, he had a point.Yet 15 months later, Woakes finds himself preparing not only to play in England’s first Test against Pakistan, but to lead their bowling attack. He will have to battle scorching-hot conditions in Multan from Monday, where he will play his first away Test in two-and-a-half years and his first in Asia since 2016.It is a situation that few would have predicted when England last toured Pakistan two years ago, with James Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood all thriving and Stuart Broad missing on paternity leave. But Anderson and Broad have retired, Robinson has been sidelined and Wood is injured – leaving Woakes recalled as the unlikely spearhead.Before Woakes travelled to Pakistan, he rowed back on some of his previous self-analysis, telling the that he believed some of the criticism of his overseas record had been unduly harsh in tone. “I know what I’m capable of,” he said. “The fact I’ve been selected suggests I’m pretty good and from a knowledge perspective, I have a wealth of it – more so now than ever in my career.”Related

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England’s rationale for selecting Woakes is multi-faceted. His inclusion is recognition of his performance in their home summer, and comes with the belief – or hope – that he is a more complete bowler than when he last toured. It is also priceless from a team construction perspective: in Ben Stokes’ absence, he is the only viable No. 7 in a team with five bowlers.Perhaps balance is the most relevant consideration. In India earlier this year, Stokes’ availability only as a specialist batter left England in a bind: without a bowling option in their squad who was a realistic option at No. 7, they had to compromise somewhere. Their batter-heavy balance left them so reliant on Joe Root’s offspin early in the series that his output with the bat suffered.Woakes had a lean series with the bat in England’s most recent series against Sri Lanka, averaging 9.20. He is probably one spot higher than ideal at No. 7, but his role is often about partnership batting and allowing the top six to maintain their natural tempo: stands of 106 and 52 with Jamie Smith this summer underlined his value in a hinge position.He will also continue to open the bowling – a role which should suit him much better than the one he has filled in the majority of his away Tests, as a change bowler behind Anderson and Broad. “He’ll get the opportunity with the new ball over here, which is something that he should enjoy a lot more,” Brendon McCullum, England’s coach, said on Sunday.