Tottenham boss Thomas Frank hailed Joao Palhinha’s role as emergency centre-half and opening goalscorer in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster.
Palhinha’s improvised strike, a Jay McGrath own goal and Brennan Johnson’s stoppage-time breakaway comfortably disposed of League One Rovers.
Frank hails Tottenham star Palhinha
On-loan Portuguese midfielder Palhinha, who picks £7m per year, wants to seal a permanent move to north London in 2026. He stepped into an injury-hit back-line while Archie Gray, often forced to play auxiliary centre-back under previous boss Ange Postecoglou, took his preferred midfield role.
“Archie can play centre-back and right-back but I see him as a midfielder and I like to see him there.”
Spurs would have scored more but for two remarkable air shots from Mathys Tel from only six yards out. Tel has yet to find the net since making a permanent switch to north London this summer but Frank said: “I don’t think he’s having a bad run.
“I think it was a step up in terms of performance. He got into good situations.”
"Goes under the radar" – Tottenham told "important" Frank star deserves far more credit
He goes largely unnoticed.
ByEmilio Galantini
Spurs went ahead in the 14th minute after Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor missed his punch at a corner.
Sean Grehan headed the loose ball off the line but only as far as Palhinha, who hooked an overhead kick back over the defender and into an empty net.
Spurs doubled their lead three minutes later when Wilson Odobert raided down the left and sent in another low cross. Doncaster defender McGrath was unable to sort his feet out in time and succeeded only in bundling the ball into his own net.
Rovers almost pulled one back before the break when Owen Bailey’s Paolo Di Canio-style volley was tipped onto a post by Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.
That was the only moment of mild peril Spurs faced, however, and Frank was able to shuffle his pack by sending on Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison for the final 30 minutes as well as handing a late debut to 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett.
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Johnson wrapped things up in stoppage time after being sent racing through on goal by Bergvall.
Rovers boss Grant McCann said: “I was disappointed with the goals we conceded.
“I don’t think we made it hard for them to score against us but in between that, especially in the second half, it was an excellent performance.”
A third FA Cup victory in six years for Manchester City might not make up for a dismal 2024/25 campaign, but it could plant the seed for rejuvenation under Pep Guardiola next term.
Losing Rodri so early on in the season proved to be the catalyst for the club’s worst run of form since the Spaniard took over in the summer of 2016.
This ensured none of the big prizes would be heading to the Etihad. But it wasn’t just losing Rodri that impacted the club. As a group, the team underperformed as the most successful era in the club’s history drew to a close.
Phil Foden has gone from 40 goal contributions last season to registering just 16 throughout 2024/25 in what has been a steady decline.
Elsewhere, Jack Grealish has also been poor, recording only eight goal contributions all season, while even Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t quite been his influential self as he shows signs of slowing down.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruynecelebrates after the match
One of the biggest disappointments was Erling Haaland. The Norwegian had scored 52 and 38 goals across his first two seasons at the club, but has failed to hit those sorts of numbers this term.
Why Erling Haaland has struggled for Man City this season
The striker certainly began the campaign with a bang. Across his first five Premier League games, Haaland netted an impressive tally of ten goals.
This included back-to-back hat tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. At this point, it appeared as though no one was going to prevent him, or City, from powering to another top-flight title.
Between the start of October and the end of 2024, however, Haaland managed to find the back of the net just three times. Even though his form picked up between January and March, an ankle injury sidelined him for a few games, and he hasn’t scored since March 30.
To put it into context how much of a drop-off the forward has endured this term, he has averaged a goal every 123 minutes in the Premier League this season, compared to every 95 minutes last year.
Erling Haaland’s PL stats for Man City
Metric
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
37
27
21
Goal conversion percentage
29%
22%
20%
Shots per game
3.5
3.9
3.6
Goal frequency (minutes)
77
95
123
Assists
8
5
3
Via Sofascore
Furthermore, Haaland’s goal conversion rate has dropped from 22% to 20% while he is averaging fewer shots per game (3.9 vs 3.6). These statistics might not indicate a serious drop-off, but considering he is about to end the season with his worst goal tally at a club since the 2021/22 season, there is a problem.
With Guardiola keen on bolstering his squad this summer, it looks as though he is eyeing a move for one of the finest wingers in Europe.
Could his potential arrival revive Haaland next season?
Man City eye move for Real Madrid superstar
City’s main transfer target this summer appears to be Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. His agents apparently flew to England recently, but it is unclear whether they spoke to City about a move when the window opens.
It would be a major coup if they could secure his signature, but is another one of Europe’s finest being earmarked for a move to the Etihad?
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, City have contacted Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo in the hopes of bringing him to England.
The Brazilian will likely wait until Madrid have appointed a new manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to take over as the Brazil manager.
The right offer could certainly tempt the La Liga giants into a sale, with a price tag set at around the €100m (£85m) mark, then the winger could be on the move.
Much will depend on how much Guardiola is willing to spend on the player, especially if he is successful in a deal to sign Wirtz, but City are lining up a swoop for the Brazil international.
Rodrygo on the right flank could certainly provide some much-needed attacking dynamism to the first-team, and he would work wonders for Haaland.
Why City should sign Rodrygo
Across 267 games for Madrid, the 24-year-old has registered 118 goal contributions – 68 goals and 50 assists in all competitions.
These goal involvements have helped the club win two La Liga crowns and two Champions League titles, but it looks as though his time in the Spanish capital might be coming to an end.
Capable of scoring goals in the biggest and most important games, he was hailed by journalist Dougie Critchley as being a “big game player” and this is someone Guardiola would surely love to have at his disposal next term.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues, the Brazilian ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes, progressive carries, touches in the opposition penalty area, and progressive passes received per 90.
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Additionally, he also ranks in the top 9% for assists and top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90 across the previous 365 days.
These qualities could be a dream for the Norwegian sensation. With Rodrygo getting into dangerous positions so often, especially in the attacking penalty area, Haaland would be the one to benefit, being offered countless chances in front of goal.
In La Liga this season, the Madrid winger has created five big chances while averaging 1.6 key passes per game. Add in the fact he succeeds with 1.6 dribbles – a success rate of 52% – per game, and it is clear to see exactly what he could offer to City from this summer onwards.
He and Haaland would make for a dream partnership that Guardiola would hope not only gives the club a chance at reclaiming back the Premier League title, but also for another chance of winning the Champions League.
Real Madrid'sRodrygolooks on
A lot of factors will have to work in City’s favour for a move to go ahead, but as the Spaniard knows, he cannot afford for his team to perform so poorly throughout 2025/26.
With Rodri set to return from injury soon, plus new signings like Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush settling in nicely, City have the tools ready to begin a brand-new era at the Etihad.
Adding Rodrygo would be the icing on the cake.
Perfect Reijnders alternative: Man City preparing bid for "magic" £60m star
Man City could well be ready to step up their interest in an alternative to Tijjani Reijnders
Newcastle United return to action in the Premier League this evening as they prepare to welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to St. James’ Park.
A win for the hosts would send them into the top four and above Chelsea after the Blues were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Eddie Howe’s side head into this clash with struggling Wolves off the back of a 3-1 win over League Two side Bromley in the FA Cup last time out, thanks to goals from Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon, and Will Osula.
Whilst the English head coach will be keenly focused on getting results in the Premier League as the Magpies go in search of Champions League qualification for a second time in his tenure, he will also have one eye on the market.
The January transfer window has been open for two weeks now and Newcastle could look to bolster their squad, or put in the work ahead of doing deals in the summer.
In fact, the Magpies are reportedly interested in signing a player from one of their Premier League rivals, but it may be a deal that drags on to the end of the season.
Newcastle interested in Premier League forward
Speaking on The United Stand, as relayed by The Boot Room, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Newcastle are keen on a swoop for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.
The reporter has revealed that the Magpies have made an approach to sign the Cameroon international, but they are not planning to make a bid for him in the current transfer window.
Jacobs said: “Brentford don’t want to sell, that is the first thing. Newcastle are the only team who have made any sort of concrete approach, no bid for January, but they’re looking at Mbeumo for over the summer.”
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford
The journalist went on to add that Manchester United may have the left-footed dynamo on their shortlist of targets because of Dan Ashworth’s short time with the club, as Mbuemo was also one of his targets during his spell with the Magpies.
Ahead of the January transfer window, Football Insider reported that Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in signing the 25-year-old star, who is valued at around £60m by Brentford.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This suggests that Newcastle could face some serious competition for his signature at the end of the season, if the Reds and the Gunners retain their interest and make a move for him in the summer.
It also shows how much the Magpies could need to splash out to secure his services and it remains to be seen whether or not the club are willing to pay that kind of money for him.
The board should sanction a £60m swoop for the Bees sensation, though, because he could be Howe’s own version of Liverpool and Premier League superstar Mohamed Salah.
Bryan Mbeumo compared to Mo Salah
Last month, Mbeumo produced a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over Newcastle in the top-flight and talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy described him as a “mini-Salah” in his analysis of the match.
Both Mbeumo and Salah are similar in style as left-footed attackers who predominantly play on the right wing and look to cut inside onto their stronger foot to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.
As you can see in the chart above, ‘mini-Salah’ is an accurate description of the Brentford forward because he is statistically similar to the Liverpool star in terms of style, but the Egypt international’s output in front of goal is significantly greater.
The former Chelsea attacker has racked up a staggering 18 goals and 13 assists in 20 appearances in the Premier League this season, leading the division in both statistics.
Salah provides a consistent threat in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals and Newcastle have not had that in the right wing position for a number of years.
Whilst they are not going to tempt the Egypt international to make the switch from Merseyside to Tyneside, Howe could land the club’s own mini-version of the superstar by signing Mbeumo.
Why Newcastle should sign Bryan Mbeumo
The Magpies could improve their team by swooping to sign the £60m-rated attacker in the summer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, when they will, hopefully, have Premier League and Champions League football on offer.
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Jacob Murphy has been the first-choice option for Howe on the right flank so far this season and the former Norwich man has provided a big threat as a creator, with nine ‘big chances’ created for the team in 17 appearances.
However, the 29-year-old attacker has only scored three goals in those 17 matches and Newcastle could upgrade their frontline by bringing in a forward who offers more as a goalscorer week-in-week-out.
Murphy has only scored 14 goals in 167 Premier League appearances for the club to date and Mbeumo has already managed 13 goals in the division just this season, whilst playing in the same position.
24/25 Premier League
Bryan Mbeumo
Jacob Murphy
Appearances
21
17
xG
6.56
2.32
Goals
13
3
Big chances created
10
9
Key passes per game
2.0
1.3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Brentford star has significantly outperformed the Newcastle winger in the top-flight this term, with 23 goals and ‘big chances’ created compared to Murphy’s 12.
He is in the best form of his Premier League career, with a tally of 13 goals, but also carried a big goal threat in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns for the Bees, hitting 18 league goals across both seasons combined.
These statistics suggest that Mbeumo, who could be Howe’s own mini-Salah cutting in from the right wing, could be a big upgrade on Murphy as a scorer and a creator of goals, to improve Newcastle’s chances of winning matches by providing a bigger threat in the final third.
At the age of 25, the Cameroon international is also four years younger than the Englishman and could come in with development still to go through with the help of Howe’s coaching, which means that he could be a fantastic long-term addition as well as an immediate upgrade for the team.
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One of the best academies in English football throughout the Premier League era is undoubtedly Manchester United’s Carrington. The Red Devils have produced some spectacular players over the years, many of whom have gone on to become top-flight legends and iconic figures at Old Trafford.
In the first team at the moment, Erik ten Hag has several academy graduates. They range from the likes of Marcus Rashford, who has become a key player for his boyhood club, to breakout stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, United’s goalscorers in their 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last season.
However, not all of their academy graduates make it at Old Trafford, with some slipping through the cracks and making a name for themselves elsewhere. One of those players is Angel Gomes.
Angel Gomes' career so far
Gomes has been making waves recently, having impressed for England over the last week, making his senior bow under Lee Carsley against the Republic of Ireland, before making his first start against Finland.
He made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace in May 2017 and became the first player born in the 2000s to play in the Premier League, at 16 years and 263 days old.
Angel Gomes
However, things did not really pick up for the midfielder, who could not get a look in for the Red Devils. By the time he left on a free transfer to Lille in 2020, he had made just ten appearances for his boyhood club.
The now 24-year-old, who is the godson of former Red Devils winger Nani, has since found a home at the French club. He has now made 118 appearances for the four-time Ligue 1 champions, scoring eight times and registering eight assists.
He has adapted his game superbly, going from an enterprising number ten as a youngster to the deep-lying playmaker we see today. His most recent appearance for the Three Lions at Wembley was superb, and he operated as a 'regista', orchestrating play from a deep role.
His performances earned him an 8/10 from Patrick Rowe, a journalist for Sky Sports, who dubbed him “an intelligent player”. His stats on Sofascore were also superb, completing an incredible 116 out of 123 passes at a 96% success rate.
Gomes stats vs. Finland
Stat
Number
Touches
130
Passes completed
116/123
Pass completion rate
94%
Ground duels won
4/8
Long balls completed
3/4
Tackles won
2/2
Stats from Sofascore
There is certainly a case to be made that United made a mistake in letting such a talented academy graduate leave for free. It is certainly a mistake they would want to avoid making with another talented young midfielder they have coming through the ranks, Dan Gore.
Man Utd's next Angel Gomes
It has been a frustrating 12 months for United’s young midfielder Gore, who made his first-team debut last season. Ten Hag gave him his maiden Red Devils appearance in the Carabao Cup against Palace, the same opponent Gomes made his debut against, on his 19th birthday.
The youngster also played one minute against Aston Villa on Boxing Day last season, his Premier League bow.
Subsequently, the 19-year-old went out on loan to League One side Port Vale for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign. However, he made just one appearance for the Valiants, before unfortunately picking up an injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
As per a report from the Manchester Evening News, Gore dislocated his shoulder in a training session just before pre-season, meaning he missed the Red Devils tour to the United States.
However, the report explains he should be back soon enough, citing 'the early weeks of the 2024/25 season' as his targeted return from injury. He will be hoping he can break into a fairly thin-on-the-ground United midfield, with opportunities potentially coming in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.
In terms of his profile, Gore is a technical midfielder and is particularly a superb ball carrier. He is small in stature, just 5 foot 5, although this is something he uses to his advantage, much in the same manner as the diminutive Gomes.
The Carrington graduate uses his low centre of gravity superbly and is able to slalom past defenders with ease and progress the ball through the lines. He was described as an “exciting talent” by football scout Antonio Mango.
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Having already seen his FA Youth Cup-winning colleague, Mainoo, break into the first-team fold – with the pair lining up together in that showpiece triumph in 2022 – Gore could be the next big thing off the conveyor belt at Old Trafford.
There could be a case to be made that a Gore-Mainoo axis could be the future of United's first-team midfield, with the pair seemingly developing a real understanding together, as Gore himself has noted:
"Kobbie [Mainoo] is a top player and a good lad as well. We work well with each other. If one is out of position the other will fill in. We have a good connection, and we know each other very well."
FA Youth Cup final
While Gore’s contract expires in 2026, he still has plenty of time to recover from injury and impress the Red Devils’ coaches and manager, with the hope of soon following in Mainoo's footsteps.
Whatever happens, the club will want to avoid another Gomes situation and lose an excellent youngster for free only for him to kick on and become an England international a few years later.
INEOS should've sold Man Utd dud who earns 10x more than Mainoo
Liverpool linger behind table-topping Premier League giants Arsenal by just three points with four fixtures left to play, but few would speak of the Anfield side's title-winning credentials with confidence.
Wednesday evening's chastening 3-0 defeat against Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park had a deleterious effect on the hopes of finishing first in Jurgen Klopp's final hour, gifting the lionised German with one final slice of silverware to send him off with a bang.
That's not going to happen. Arsenal are purring and powerful, while the muscle memory of Manchester City's winning pedigree hardly make it likely that Pep Guardiola's side will suffer a deep last-gasp decline.
Jarrad Branthwaite scores for Everton
Much has gone wrong, and while the, frankly, incredible wastefulness of the frontline has proved detrimental, the defensive displays of Ibrahima Konate have sent the Frenchman's once-imperious campaign into a spin.
Ibrahima Konate's performance vs Everton
Konate stepped up big time when Joel Matip ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Fulham in December and has been hailed as an "absolute beast" by one analyst for his high-level recent efforts.
Liverpool ace Ibrahima Konate.
But he's crumbled and lost every ounce of his verve, producing some utterly inexcusable performances in recent weeks as Liverpool crash out of the FA Cup and Europa League, losing their way in the Premier League title race.
Against Everton, after steadying the ship last weekend with a 3-1 victory over Fulham, the next step was needed after Arsenal thrashed Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday, but Liverpool were outworked and subdued against their relegation-threatened rivals. Title hopes have gone, snatched away like a loose leaf in a gale.
Ibrahima Konate: Stats vs Everton
Stat
#
Minutes played
63'
Touches
77
Accurate passes
67/72 (93%)
Long balls
1/3
Tackles
2
Clearances
1
Duels won
6/9
Errors leading to goal
1
Fouls
1
Stats via Sofascore
Writing of his performance at Goodison Park, The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle marked the France star with a 3/10 match rating, noting of his attempt: 'Nightmare first half for the Frenchman, who was bullied by Calvert-Lewin and got in the way to set up Everton opener. Instantly gave ball away at start of second half. Subbed.'
Sure, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah have lost their way in front of goal; yes, Dominik Szoboszlai has toiled for too long now, but Konate's steel and strength has corroded, decayed into something error-riddled and unreliable.
Where Liverpool go from here…
At least, in the minutest sliver of respite, Liverpool will not be burdened with succeeding Klopp's legacy on the back of a Premier League title triumph, allowing the impending manager, likely Arne Slot of Feyenoord, to enter and continue an overdue rebuild that only started last summer.
And that resurgence in itself has seen the Redmen soar beyond expectations, fuelled by the inner belief and conviction that Klopp must be handed the most perfect of farewells, the most fitting and fairytale-esque swansong.
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It's, candidly, not going to happen. But there is much to admire and much to come from this growing Liverpool side. However, there is work to do, and Konate has proven why entering the market for a centre-half is imperative.
Matip is out of contract this summer and, 33 at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, it's unlikely that his deal will be renewed. Jarell Quansah has offered much potential but cannot be burdened with the weighty task of compensating for Virgil van Dijk and Konate, with the latter shaky at times and often missing portions of the season with injury.
When Slot – or whoever may be anointed as the fresh face in the dugout – joins, there is no question: Liverpool must prioritise the signing of a central defender.
Liverpool have "held talks" with dream Slot alternative who's "perfect"
The Reds could still be keeping their options open in the hunt to replace Jurgen Klopp…
An "unbelievable" Liverpool player could seal a move away from the club in the January transfer window, according to an update from reliable journalist Gregg Evans.
Potential Liverpool exits
There is so much to admire about Jurgen Klopp's side at the moment, who aren't necessarily performing at their highest level, but still find themselves top of the Premier League after battling their way to numerous late wins.
The signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch have made a world of difference in midfield, while Klopp looks reborn after cutting a dejected figure during a dispiriting 2022/23 season. While there are so many important players at the club right now, whether it be Alisson, Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah, to name just a few, there is always the risk that individuals could move on at some point.
Joel Matip and Thiago are both out of contract at Liverpool at the end of this season, for example, and it remains to be seen if either will end up signing extensions at the club. The same applies to Adrian, although he is clearly a more expendable figure, considering he is the Reds' third-choice goalkeeper.
Other fringe players and loanees could also look for new challenges in the coming months, and an important update has dropped regarding one such individual.
Fabio Carvalho could be set new loan move
According to Evans on X, Liverpool are now thought to be "considering a new loan for Fabio Carvalho", such has been his lack of impact at RB Leipzig so far this season.
RB Leipzig's loan midfielder Fabio Carvalho.
The 21-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Klopp during the summer, so a temporary switch to the Bundesliga side came to fruition.
In Evans' report for The Athletic, he goes into more detail, explaining that a number of clubs are interested in the Liverpool man, should he return to Anfield next month:
"Liverpool are in discussions with Fabio Carvalho over his future after an unsuccessful loan spell at RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old could be recalled early and then sent on another loan in January with a number of clubs already showing an interest. Carvalho is unlikely to be reintegrated into the Liverpool first team this season, though."
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Bringing an end to Carvalho's time at Leipzig seemingly makes complete sense for all parties, with the youngster growing stagnant there, starting just one Bundesliga match this season. That isn't helping his development at all, so it would be far wiser for Liverpool to end his loan spell prematurely, before allowing him to move elsewhere in January, to a club who are genuinely willing to offer him regular playing time.
Fabio Carvalho's stats in the Bundesliga this season
Total
Appearances
7
Starts
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Key passes per game
0.1
Carvalho's career in the short term is in danger of petering out a little if he isn't careful, so he could do with settling at another club for the second half of the season and get things back on track, rather than being an exciting young talent who falls by the wayside.
He is still someone who Klopp himself has hailed as "unbelievable" in the past, however, so a strong loan spell elsewhere could reinvigorate him.
Manchester United are still in the market for reinforcements to add depth to their highly competitive squad, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target who happens to be like Jude Bellingham?
Who are Man United signing?
According to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Manchester United have made enquiries about Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Pedulla revealed on social media:
"Manchester United always thinks of Amrabat, but in the meantime, there has been an information survey for Gravenberch who has two other proposals from the Premier League."
Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…
How good is Ryan Gravenberch?
Erik ten Hag has displayed his loyalty and belief in his Ajax alumni since joining the Red Devils last summer, snapping up a number of his former players including Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Eriksen, and now he could be set to spark another reunion.
Gravenberch – once hailed a "top talent" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – had his breakthrough into first-team football under the guidance of Ten Hag, which led to huge interest throughout Europe when his exciting performances and undeniable talents were displayed regularly in the Eredivisie and on the European stage too.
The talented midfielder then moved on to Bayern Munich to chase his dreams of winning major trophies, but unfortunately has found regular game time hard to come by with the Bundesliga giants, something that the player has had no problems speaking out about after his first campaign.
Coincidentally, Ten Hag has always held Gravenberch in high regard and often spoke out about the young player's influence in the team when he was managing Ajax:
"Ryan is a very young player," ten Hag began. "But he has already gained a lot of experience. He has already played over 100 games in the Eredivisie, has played in the Champions League and has been called up for the national team. Despite his young age, he has already experienced a lot and, above all, won titles.
"He's very important for our team because he's a box-to-box player. He accelerates out of positional play, does good dribbling, has tremendous passing ability and participates in the build-up play.
"Due to his athleticism and physique, he is also strong in the transition game and can also win the balls. He's come a long way, but can still learn a lot."
There is no doubt that Gravenberch is one of the hottest youth prospects across the top five European leagues – ranking in the top 25% of his positional peers for shots on goal, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, successful take-ons and progressive passes received per 90 minutes played, as per FBref.
Not only that, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is named as one of the most comparable players to Gravenberch over the last 12 months, with many similarities beyond their rapid development at such a young age.
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When comparing the promising midfield duo, they came close in several key attributes including pass completion (87.4% v 81.7%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.91 v 4.81), percentage of dribblers tackled (53.8% v 66.7%) and successful take-ons (57.9% v 57%). The two players, therefore, are bullish and progressive in nature.
In fact, Dutch legend Rafael van de Vaart once claimed that Gravenberch – who has a reported €25m (£22m) price tag – is actually better than Bellingham:
"I think Gravenberch is better than him, in every way. Especially physically."
With that being said, the signing of Gravenberch would be a great piece of business for Man United as they continue to invest in Ten Hag's vision and philosophy to get Man United back to dominating domestically and winning trophies regularly.
In the week Jude Bellingham's £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid moved a giant step closer, another member of the talented footballing family could also be on the move.
Sunderland have been linked with Jude's younger brother Jobe for a number of weeks now, and Birmingham World reports that the Black Cats will not give up on negotiations until an agreement can be reached with Birmingham City.
Who is Sunderland target Jobe Bellingham?
Like brother Jude, Jobe emerged through Birmingham's youth ranks and into the first team at a young age. However, whereas the older of the siblings made a £25m switch to Dortmund at 17, Jobe is only just establishing himself in City's first team.
The Stourbridge-born midfielder made his senior debut for City in January 2021 and, after remaining patient for his chance, he appeared 22 times in last season's Championship campaign as the Blues finished 17th.
But while Jude broke the record for being Birmingham's youngest player and goalscorer, Jobe is on a different path, albeit one that could also culminate in him joining an elite club further down the line.
As then-City boss Lee Bowyer put it previously, "Whenever he steps on the pitch now everyone is going to expect him to be like his brother.
"Don't do that to the lad. It's not fair on him. He's going to be his own player, himself. We believe he will be good."
Is Jobe Bellingham ready for Sunderland move?
Far from having a nine-figure valuation like his brother, Jobe could be available for as little as £3m, as previously cited by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Given his relative lack of matches at senior level, there is still an unknown nature about the youngster's game, though those who have seen him up close can already see comparisons with Madrid-bound Jude.
"His ability to keep the ball is very Jude-esque," said a member of the Blues Focus team in an interview with Roker Report. "His size for such a young lad is also very reminiscent of when Jude was starting at Blues."
Borussia Dortmund'sJudeBellingham
That aerial ability has been put to good use, with Bellingham winning 2.06 aerial duels per 90 minutes last season – only two other regular Birmingham midfielders registered a higher tally.
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Indeed, that figure places Bellingham in the top 6% among his positional peers over the past year, while he is in the top 1% for clearances (1.47 per game), showing he clearly has a talent for the defensive side of the game.
Adding goals and assists to his game will take Bellingham to the next level, having failed to register a single goal involvement in his 22 – mainly substitute – appearances in the Championship last season. That should not deter the Black Cats from moving, though, who will no doubt benefit from his arrival.
Indeed, in an exciting Sunderland team boasting talents such as Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart in attack, Bellingham can take his own – albeit lower profile – step towards future stardom by putting pen to paper at the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea have been handed a ‘huge boost’ as reporter Matt Law of The Telegraph shares an exciting update on midfielder N’Golo Kante.
The Lowdown: Potter under fire…
Graham Potter has been under serious pressure as of late with very disappointing on-field results failing to impress supporters.
The Blues have just one Premier League win under their belt since the turn of year, a 1-0 home win over Palace, and haven’t scored more than one goal in a single match since 2023’s beginning (Transfermarkt).
Reports have suggested that Chelsea have even sounded out possible replacements for Potter and it’s safe to say the Englishman needs all the help he can get right now.
The Latest: Potter handed ‘huge boost’ at Chelsea…
Law, taking to social media, shared some pretty big news out of Stamford Bridge this week as Chelsea are now set for a ‘huge’ Kante boost.
He explained:
“Chelsea set for huge boost with N’Golo Kante closing in on a first-team return….and a new contract.”
The Verdict: Massive…
The experienced figurehead’s pending return will come as a mighty relief to Potter and co who could now see some real steal added to Chelsea’s midfield.
Kante’s injury has seen him start just two league games this season and the Frenchman’s importance is perhaps exemplified by his stats from last season.
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Over 2021/2022, the relentless defensive midfield star averaged more successful challenges per 90 than any Chelsea regular in the top flight (WhoScored).
His presence is surely missed in Potter’s starting eleven, and with his deal set to expire at the end of this season as things stand, the fact Chelsea are also closing in on fresh terms is even more good news.
Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign Atalanta wonderkid Giorgio Scalvini, who is also being eyed by heated divisional rivals Manchester City.
What’s the word?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Reds are now looking to swoop for the 19-year-old Scalvini, who is also attracting the attention of European giants such as Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
Primarily a centre-back, Scalvini has earned plaudits for his ability and meteoric ascension to the Atalanta first-team, with the Italian outfit unwilling to part with their starlet for anything below £34m.
This might appear a lucrative fee for a player so poor in experience, but having displayed assurance and ability beyond his years, any deal achieved would likely prove prudent indeed for top sides chasing major honours.
Klopp’s next Hummels
Jurgen Klopp will hope that he can forge a deal for the talented teen, and perhaps emulate the past success of Mats Hummels at Borussia Dortmund.
Hummels, who has spent the majority of his career going back and forth between Dortmund and Bayern like a yo-yo, enjoyed the maiden period of his career under Klopp’s wing, when the manager led the Yellow Wall.
Rising to become one of Germany’s most illustrious defenders, the 33-year-old made a total of 242 appearances for the German head coach, winning two Bundesliga titles and the DFB Pokal.
And now the pathway to a similar fruitful career has been paved, with Atalanta’s hot prospect certainly enticed by the proposition of developing under Klopp.
Scalvini has made 11 appearances for the Orobici this season, starting eight times, and has quickly earned a regular spot in the starting line-up after initially perching on the periphery.
His exploits have even earned him three appearances for the Italian national team, who are looking to reinvent themselves having failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite winning the 2020 European Championship the preceding year.
Scalvini offers a positive flair to his game that evades the vast majority of central defenders, averaging 0.4 shots per match and already netting his first goal for the club in the opening period of the Serie A campaign.
Statistical data from FBref also illustrates the teenage titan’s prowess across a variety of fronts, ranking him in the top percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 10% for dribbles completed and the top 3% for rate of tackles when compared to positional peers in Europe this past year, embodying the skill-set of the quintessential successful modern centre-back.
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He does, however, rank within the bottom 13% for pass completion among active centre-backs across major leagues, indicating an improvement must be made to the precision of his ball-playing skills, although at just 19-years-old he does indeed have time to nurture and develop.
Labelled a “top talent” by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Scalvini could be the key to cementing Liverpool’s defensive pedigree over the coming years, and while the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip have been exceptional under Klopp’s reign, with both now 31-years-old, the future of the club must be considered.
Indeed, it is time for the German tactician to unearth his next Hummels-esque figure with the Italian youngster undoubtedly possessing the potential to become a figurehead if he receives the right guidance.