Trent Alexander-Arnold hailed Liverpool colleague Virgil van Dijk as he claimed the Dutchman does not have a weakness.
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A big development has emerged regarding Manchester United's pursuit of a "complete" player alongside fellow target Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.
Man United closing in on Zirkzee signing
As things stand, it looks highly likely that Zirkzee will be the Red Devils' first signing of the summer transfer window, with the Dutchman expected to arrive from Bologna in the near future. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have been working hard on getting a deal over the line, with a deal agreed for the 23-year-old, who is expected to arrive on a long-term deal.
Assuming the move is completed this summer, Zirkzee has the potential to be a hugely exciting signing for United, considering he has impressed in a Bologna shirt, scoring 14 goals and registering nine assists in 58 appearances for the Serie A.
The hope is that those numbers only increase at Old Trafford, once he is playing alongside superior players, from Bruno Fernandes to Rasmus Hojlund, and former Bayern Munich teammate David Alaba has said of him in the past: "Joshua has integrated well into the team from day one. He picks things up quickly and he always wants to learn. It is very nice that he is being rewarded. He is a boy with a lot of potential. He has a talent that not everyone has."
Now, it looks as though United have decided who they potentially want to come in alongside Zirkzee this summer, with a significant development emerging regarding another Dutch target.
Man Utd make offer for "complete" player
According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Man Utd News], Manchester United have tabled a huge offer for PSG midfielder Xavi Simons, having been linked with a double deal for Simons to pair with Zirkzee in recent days.
The Red Devils have now "stepped up" their efforts to acquire the £25,000-a-week Dutchman's signature in the "last few hours", although the money that has been offered isn't mentioned.
Simons could be a fantastic signing for United ahead of next season and beyond, with the 21-year-old's ability outlined by his stunning opening strike in the Netherlands' eventual 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The attacking midfielder has showcased his talent on a regular basis on loan at RB Leipzig, too, registering 19 goal contributions (eight goals and 11 assists) in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, and teammate Dani Olmo has called him a "complete" footballer who "has an amazing dribbling technique, finishing as well".
Still only 21 years of age, there is so much more to come from Simons in the coming years, and he could add so much in attacking midfield areas at United, as well as being able to shine out wide, too. Signing him as well as Zirkzee feels like a no-brainer, and it is encouraging to see this fresh bid tabled.
Appearances 6 Starts 5 Goals 1 Assists 3 Key passes per game 2.0 Shots per game 1.7 Tackles per game 1.3
A red hot forward wanted by Barcelona has held talks over joining Arsenal instead this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu seek attacking upgrades for next season.
Arsenal targeting new forwards after failed title challenge
The Gunners fell just short in their efforts to win a first Premier League title in 20 years last season, despite taking Man City all the way to the final day of the season after an impressive campaign.
Pochettino exit means £42m Chelsea star could leave as Arsenal make contact
The Gunners have approached their London rivals.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2024
Arsenal racked up 89 points and scored over 90 league goals, numbers which have been enough to come out on top more often than not since the Premier League's inception. However, Pep Guardiola's City side have set the standard, and usually hit their stride towards the latter stages of a campaign.
Their imperiousness meant Arsenal had to settle for second again, but Arteta is aiming to make it third-time-lucky and to finally beat City to the title next season. The Spaniard has set his sights on players who can improve the squad, and is believed to be chasing a new forward or two.
Bukayo Saka
20
Leandro Trossard
17
Kai Havertz
14
Martin Odegaard
11
Gabriel Jesus
8
Arteta wants a young striking partner for Kai Havertz, coming after the German's excellent debut campaign at the Emirates, Arsenal could even end up bringing in another winger despite their abundance of quality out wide.
Gabriel Martinelli's form took a slight dip towards the back of last season, perhaps indicating that the north Londoners could do with an alternative to the Brazilian mainstay.
One player who's been linked in the last few weeks is Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The young La Liga star is fresh off the back of a brilliant season, where he got himself into double digits for Spanish top flight assists.
Williams has also been very impressive at Euro 2024, giving Italy full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo a nightmare on Thursday evening as Spain beat Italy 1-0. He was one of the standouts in Luis de la Fuente's side, and if he carries on with this kind of tournament form, it'll only turn the heads of more suitors.
Nico Williams holds talks with Arsenal and Barca
As per HITC, the Gunners had taken note of his exploits long before the Euros. Indeed, Williams has already held talks with Arsenal over joining them this summer – as he has with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa – but there is one problem.
The 21-year-old, who is also being chased by Barcelona, has set his sights on a move to the Camp Nou instead as his preferred destination after speaking with them. Williams also, surprisingly, earns around £200,000-per-week at Bilbao, and could demand a wage packet of around £300,000-per-week to move.
Williams' deal includes a £43 million release clause, but his salary could prove a real sticking point despite his obvious quality. That being said, Arteta is reportedly a real admirer of Williams and is personally driving a potential move.
Aston Villa finished the 2023/24 campaign with a whimper but fans were voluble and ecstatic following a 5-0 thrashing at Selhurst Park on Sunday, finishing fourth in the Premier League and opening the door to Champions League football.
Unai Emery's transformative effect has propelled Villa Park to the height of the game, placing them alongside Europe's elite and convincing supporters that the golden age is here, welcome after several years of malaise.
Will Emery rest on his laurels? It's hardly likely. The shrewd Spaniard is ravenous for further success and appears to be aiming big ahead of the summer transfer window, eager to bring a marquee name to the Midlands.
According to reports in Spain, Emery and Villa's President of Football Operations, Monchi, have met with the Barcelona board to discuss the transfer of centre-back Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguay international is valued at €80m (£68m) and widely considered one of the best defenders in Spain, but rumours have lingered over his future with the Catalan club, who are embedded in a quagmire of financial turmoil.
It is hardly coincidental that the interest in Araujo follows revelations from the Telegraph that Villa are willing to cash in on Diego Carlos despite a £50m Champions League windfall, with the defender struggling to impress following a long-term injury.
The £100k-per-week ace might be expendable but perhaps there is a desire to ship him on to free up space for the signing of Araujo, ensuring Emery's outfit complies with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
Araujo is an incredible defender, hailed as Barcelona's "new hero" by prominent reporter Guillem Balague in 2021, going from strength to strength after arriving as an unknown quantity from Boston Rivers in 2018.
He's now chalked up 150 displays in all competitions for La Blaugrana, scoring eight goals and adding five assists. During his team's title-winning league campaign one year ago, the £116k-per-week titan kept 12 clean sheets from 22 matches, which is pretty remarkable.
Eagle-eyed analyst Raj Chohan has remarked that Araujo is an "athletic monster" and a "cheat code" vis-a-vis his recovery pace and ability to snuff out danger before the flame starts to flicker.
As per FBref, the 25-year-old ranks among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 12% for assists and the top 9% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, with his blend of technical and ball-playing qualities ranking him favourably among some of the Premier League's finest.
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Ronald Araujo: Similar Premier League Players |
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Player |
Club |
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1. |
Nathan Ake |
Manchester City |
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2. |
Lewis Dunk |
Brighton & Hove Albion |
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Virgil van Dijk |
Liverpool |
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Sourced via FBref |
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Moreover, as per Sofascore, the Uruguayan has kept seven clean sheets from his 25 La Liga appearances in 2023/24, completing 90% of his passes, averaging 2.5 clearances and 4.1 ball recoveries per game and succeeding in 65% of his duels.
Given his elite footballing ability, Araujo could prove to be Villa's biggest talent since Jack Grealish, who has just won his third successive Premier League title with Manchester City following his £100m transfer from Villa Park back in 2021.
Grealish was an integral part of Villa's resurgence, under Dean Smith, catalysing the squad as they broke out of the Championship and cemented an impressive Premier League finish, with former loanee Tammy Abraham praising him as "such a good leader".
Aston Villa struck gold on PL hero who'd be worth more than Bailey in 2024
Aston Villa struck gold on a Premier League record holder in 2009
By
Ross Kilvington
May 21, 2024
But the tricky, fleet-footed winger has long been gone now, enjoying glittering new pastures, and while Emery boasts a wealth of talent, Araujo might just be the 'monster' signing to hand Villa Park a new talisman – one who surely would serve as one of the Premier League's leading defenders and the centrepiece of a project that might not yet have scratched the surface of its potential.
Jos Buttler played his part in England’s thrilling victory against Pakistan believing that if he didn’t make runs, he was probably playing his last Test.Buttler made the frank admission after scoring 75 and sharing a century stand with Chris Woakes, who finished not out on 84, to help England chase down an imposing fourth-innings target of 277 with three wickets in hand and a day to spare.It came as Buttler faced increasing criticism over his batting – his Test average had dropped to 31.63 going into this, his 45th Test – and he had a poor game behind the stumps, missing three chances during Pakistan’s first innings.”If I’d taken those chances, we’d have won two hours ago,” Buttler told Sky Sports after play. “I’m very aware I didn’t keep well, I missed some chances and at this level you can’t afford to do that no matter how many runs you score. You’ve got to be better, I know that.”Definitely thoughts go through your head, like potentially if I don’t score any runs I’ve probably played my last game. Those kind of things are in your head, but you’ve got to try and shut them out and try and focus on the here and now and play the situation and I’m pleased that I was able to do that.”Buttler’s Test average since the start of 2019 was even worse at 24.46, with four half-centuries going into this match. He showed glimpses of improvement with 67 in England’s series-deciding third-Test win against West Indies, and 38 out of an under-par 217 in the first innings against Pakistan.Buttler’s errors behind the stumps were undeniably costly, a dropped catch and missed stumping twice letting off Shan Masood on 45 before he went on to top score for the match with 156. He also missed a run-out chance with a wayward throw in Pakistan’s first innings. And while the mistakes didn’t ultimately affect the result, they contributed to England being under huge pressure as they were asked to post the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at Old Trafford.Buttler’s status as a great of the white-ball game has not been questioned and those credentials came in handy during England’s pursuit. In fact, his captain, Joe Root, called upon Buttler’s skill in that area when he came in with his side 106 for 4, having lost Ben Stokes and still needing 171 runs.The tempo of the run chase became particularly important because, Buttler said, he wanted to “take the new ball out of the equation” by guiding England as close to the target as possible before it became available, especially with the pitch misbehaving at times.Ollie Pope saw that first-hand, so to speak, when he gloved a Shaheen Shah Afridi ball that reared off a length to gully.”After I saw that ball to Popey it felt like if you just try and stay in and bat the time you’re going to be a bit of a sitting duck,” Buttler said. “So I wanted to be positive, try and put pressure back on Pakistan and try and replicate a one-day chase.”In terms of how many overs was it till the new ball, if we were going to get close we didn’t want to leave, say, 50 with the new ball to come. I thought that was going be tough work, having a harder ball, seeing the indifferent bounce, so try and break it down to try and score at four an over.”The plan worked. By the time Pakistan took the second new ball, England needed just 13 runs to win and, although Buttler was out by then, he had left his side in a strong position and in the capable hands of Woakes.Butter later told a press conference: “Joe actually said before, ‘remember who you are, you enjoy chasing targets down, try to limit it to a one-day game’.”A game like today really suited me and suited my eye, in terms of the run chase and breaking it down to more of a one-day game and trying to tick runs off and get us to the finishing line.”Buttler also revealed that his belief had faltered “at times” recently as his place as England’s first-choice keeper-batsman came increasingly up for debate.”There have been some lonely nights thinking about it,” Buttler said. “But runs aside, if you are a wicketkeeper in this team, you have to take chances. You have to keep better than I did in the first innings. I know that. I don’t need other people to tell me that. I expect it of myself and to play international cricket for England there’s a level required.”Not only did victory come with doubts swirling around his own performances, it also came at a time of off-field turmoil for Buttler, whose father was admitted to hospital after watching the day’s play on Friday, following a run of recent health scares. He was allowed to return home on Saturday, and Root was full of praise for Buttler’s fortitude.”It says a huge amount about him as a person, to be able to carry that, and to be able to use that or park that going into this innings,” Root said. “Only he will know which way around he did that. But I’m sure it’s very difficult thing not to think about. To be able to deal with that and still play in that manner was exceptional.”One of his big traits is that, under pressure, he puts in big performances. Another example of that was that final ODI against Australia on this very ground. You can deal with those high-pressure situations but to have that external pressure as well, I’m chuffed to bits for him, it must have been very difficult to deal with.”
Aston Villa's recruitment strategy under Unai Emery has been excellent, with the shrewd and calculated market moves leading to Europa Conference League qualification one year ago, with the Spaniard only taking the reins of a struggling squad only seven months earlier.
Certainly, the Spaniard's passion and feverish commitment to the cause, implementing his tactics sharply, has been at the centre of Villa's rise, but there's no doubt that the players signed have been made with purposeful and precise lunges.
Now qualified for the Champions League with a top-four Premier League finish, fans might be hoping for some big names, and while that may be the case, Emery's side have moved shrewdly to sign former loanee Ross Barkley.
Why Aston Villa are signing Ross Barkley
It's not done and dusted but it would appear that Barkley is headed for Villa Park after previously playing a mixed spell in the Midlands on loan from Chelsea in 2020/21, scoring on an emphatic debut in an incredible 7-2 thrashing over Liverpool but then falling by the wayside, injuries and struggles for tactical integration limiting him to just 18 starts.
Now, though, the 30-year-old has enjoyed a later bloom into a cultured and commanding presence in the engine room, starring for Luton Town this season and even said to be "not far off Player of the Season" by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
As per Sofascore, Barkley has scored five goals and supplied four assists for The Hatters across 32 appearances in the Premier League this season, right at the heart of the action with 61.2 touches per game – which is pretty incredible given that newly-promoted and swiftly relegated Luton took the second-lowest amount of touches (129,656) of any side in the division.
He also completed 85% of his passes, averaged 1.5 key passes, tackles and clearances, 2.1 dribbles, 6.3 ball recoveries and 6.1 successful duels per game. This is a brilliant collection of metrics that prove his quality and past praise from Chelsea teammate Cesc Fabregas, who called him a "machine" for his incredible work rate.
Indeed, producing performances that have seen him likened to Douglas Luiz and John McGinn, FBref rank the 6 foot 2 star among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 11% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, adept in penetrating the opposition and unleashing his creativity in the final third.
An experienced and multi-functional player, Barkley will make a marked impact on a Villa side entering a new phase, adding depth and dynamism. On £30k-per-week, the one-time Everton prodigy will be hopeful for improved terms with the Lions, and given that Diego Carlos seems to be headed for the exit, he might get his wish.
Why Villa are set to sell Diego Carlos
Carlos has endured a bit of a luckless stint in the Premier League, signing from Sevilla in a £26m deal back in June 2022 but spending the majority of the 2022/23 campaign sidelined with an ACL injury.
The recently-concluded campaign has been far more fruitful but Carlos has still been restricted to just 20 Premier League starts, with his performances leaving much to be desired.
Matches played
27
35
Matches started
20
35
Pass completion
88%
92%
Tackles per game
1.0
1.5
Clearances per game
2.9
1.9
Recoveries per game
2.9
4.1
Duels won per game
2.0 (45%)
4.8 (76%)
Errors leading to shot
2
1
Errors leading to goal
1
2
Compare his stats with those of Ezri Konsa. The disparity in performance is remarkable, with Konsa particularly putting him to shame in the duel, so much more reliable and confident against surging opponents. The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell has noted Carlos' "sloppy" efforts and it shows – the metrics don't lie.
AC Milan have recently been reported to hold an interest in the Brazilian but now The Telegraph have confirmed that the 31-year-old has been deemed expendable by Emery and his band despite a £50m windfall after landing Champions League football, with efforts still needed to ensure the club complies with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.
They say lightning doesn't strike twice but Tyrone Mings was felled to an ACL injury last August, one year on from Carlos' blow. The 6 foot 5 titan has not featured since but will be hoping to have overcome the muscular atrophy that has come as a by-product of his setback to make an impact in Emery's first team next season.
Carlos might see himself fall down the pecking order as Mings makes a comeback, especially given Aston Villa have also been linked with an audacious move for Barcelona centre-half Ronald Araujo this week.
Earning a pretty penny at £100k-per-week, Carlos must be ditched this summer, with that lofty salary not reflecting his impact in the senior set-up. In fact, it's actually over three times what Barkley currently earns, magnifying the need to make a change.
Barkley, as considered above, will hope for a rise in wage and given the thin line between the fair and the foul of financial regulations, cashing in on Carlos might just be a worthwhile move.
Villa line up £68m signing who'd be their biggest talent since Grealish
This would be an incredible signing for Unai Emery’s project.
ByAngus Sinclair May 21, 2024
Villa's recruitment strategy and drive have been excellent since Emery's arrival and the Spanish manager now has the chance to prove his credentials and ambition by ditching Carlos and continuing to make improvements to the squad.
Let's not forget, Aston Villa are going to be competing against Europe's finest in a matter of months, not years; a matter of when, not if.
Barkley has showcased his quality and faculty for a good performance on a big stage, but Carlos simply isn't up to scratch.
Liverpool are reportedly one of a number of clubs keen on signing a "fantastic" player in the summer transfer window, seeing him as a possible replacement for a current hero.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds continue to be linked with a host of new players to take the club forward after Jurgen Klopp leaves this summer, with Arne Slot on course to be the new manager at Anfield.
West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus is one player who has been linked with an exciting move to Anfield at the end of the season, having impressed for the Hammers during his first year at the club. The Ghana star has bagged seven goals and six assists in the Premier League in 2023/24, linking effectively with the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.
A shock rumour has also emerged linking Liverpool with former Everton winger Anthony Gordon, who has impressed since trading Goodison Park for Newcastle United. He is also pushing hard to be a part of England's squad at Euro 2024, meriting a place out on the left-hand side more than the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, both of whom have had quiet campaigns.
In terms of younger potential signings, teenage Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg is reportedly wanted by the Reds this summer, with the 16-year-old already a fixture in the squad at the Stadium of Light, appearing 21 times in the Championship this summer.
Liverpool eyeing free transfer for Alex McCarthy
According to a new update from The Daily Mail, Liverpool could look to sign Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy this summer for free, should Caoimhin Kelleher move on. The Irishman may want to be a No.1 elsewhere, with Celtic emerging as an option for him, among other clubs.
The report states that the Englishman, who will be a free agent this summer as things stand, "is emerging as a summer option for Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic as well as Liverpool and Newcastle United, adding that the Premier League pair are "monitoring developments with McCarthy as they draw up shortlists for back-up keepers."
McCarthy could be an ideal backup option to Alisson if Kelleher does opt for a fresh challenge this summer, ticking so many boxes when it comes to what Liverpool are looking for.
Firstly, he is a homegrown player, helping ensure that the Reds meet their quota, but he now also possesses a huge amount of experience in English football. He has made 147 appearances in the Premier League, not to mention being capped once for England, and Southampton manager Russell Martin said of him after Sunday's 0-0 draw at West Brom:
"He's been great. He was massive today, (he has great with) long throws and the way he came and dealt with things. The last two weeks I’ve loved the way we’ve defended. I just don't think anything phases him. He has that laid-back mentality but he really backs himself as a goalkeeper. He has been fantastic."
Liverpool make early move to sign "generational" star who'd unlock Nunez
This remarkable forward would make a big impression on Arne Slot’s team.
ByAngus Sinclair May 13, 2024
At 34, the £50,000-a-week McCarthy may be content to warm the substitutes' bench at a huge club most weeks at this point in his career, but he would still have chances to shine in cup competitions, and also likely in the league, given Alisson's slightly injury-prone nature.
MatériaMais NotÃcias
As condições dos gramados da Copa América voltaram a ser pauta nesta segunda-feira. Após as reclamações de Lionel Messi e Neymar acerca do Nilton Santos, o camisa 10 da Seleção Brasileira usou suas redes sociais para brincar a respeito do próximo jogo do time de Tite.
+ Veja a tabela e os jogos da Copa América
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Nesta segunda-feira, em seu Instagram, Neymar colocou a foto de um campo de terra e a foto do Estádio de Wembley, em Londres, que está recebendo jogos da Eurocopa, com o gramado em perfeitas condições. Na imagem, o atleta do PSG ainda perguntou “onde será o próximo jogo da Seleção?”
Apesar de ainda não saber quem enfrentará nas quartas de final, o Brasil já sabe onde será o confronto com Uruguai ou Chile – a definição acontece na noite desta segunda (28). No domingo, a Conmebol confirmou que o duelo, marcado para a próxima sexta-feira, será mais uma vez disputado no Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro.
+Confira os maiores artilheiros de seleções de todos os tempos
Além das crÃticas de jogadores, o técnico Tite também detonou as condições do estádio do Botafogo. Após a vitória sobre a Colômbia, o comandante da Seleção Brasileira disse que a “bola ficava picotada”.
-Temos que entender o jogo dentro de um contexto. Um campo que não vou chamar de horrÃvel, mas muito ruim pra se jogar futebol, prejudica todo o espetáculo. Quem quer criar não consegue. Foi muito rápido o tempo de fazer isso e não dá. É inadmissÃvel de duas equipes de alto nÃvel, que jogam na Europa com tamanha qualidade de gramado e espetáculo maior, virem jogar num campo nessas condições.
– A bola fica picotada, nervosa. A fluência das jogadas fica toda prejudicada. Em vez de dar um tempo, dá dois, três. Se pegar todo os atletas do Brasil, vão falar quase que a mesma coisa. Se a gente quer um grande espetáculo, temos que dar as condições. Ficou muito prejudicado. É um dos aspectos que quero deixar bem marcados – disse Tite.
Outro estádio que vem sendo criticado há algum tempo pelas condições do gramado é o Maracanã, que receberá a decisão da Copa América. Administrado por Flamengo e Fluminense, o estádio está fechado para a troca da grama visando a final, que será disputada no dia 10 de julho.
Umpiring confusion leads to bizarre passage of play in third ODI between South Africa and England
Matt Roller09-Feb-2020
Eoin Morgan was confused by the decision•Getty Images
Rassie van der Dussen was allowed to review an on-field lbw decision in Sunday’s ODI between South Africa and England in Johannesburg despite Temba Bavuma previously using his side’s only referral, because UltraEdge had been unavailable when Bavuma did so.Bavuma was given out lbw when he failed to pick an Adil Rashid googly and was struck on the front pad, but decided to review umpire Shaun George’s decision. Ball-tracking technology showed that the ball would have hit the top of middle-and-leg, but as Bavuma was about to leave the field, reserve umpire Allahudien Paleker told him to wait from the boundary edge.Aleem Dar, the third umpire, wanted to check that Bavuma had not hit the ball, and despite replays seeming to show clear daylight between bat and ball, an error in the technology meant that UltraEdge was unavailable. That meant the umpire’s on-field decision was upheld, but Bavuma was not adjudged to have used South Africa’s review.The following ball, Rashid again bowled a googly, and struck the new batsman van der Dussen on the pad. Umpire George again raised the finger, and van der Dussen started to walk off.But, immediately before he left the field, Paleker informed him from the boundary edge that he was able to review the decision if he so wished. Van der Dussen did review, and ball-tracking showed that the ball was missing the leg stump, causing George’s on-field decision to be overturned.Adil Rashid was bemused after Rassie van der Dussen was allowed to use a review•Getty Images
England were irate, with their captain Eoin Morgan seemingly protesting as to why van der Dussen was able to review the decision, though it ultimately mattered little, as the batsman was bowled by Moeen Ali in the following over.According to Article 3.6.8 of the ICC’s ODI playing conditions, “a player review categorised as ‘unsuccessful’ may be reinstated by the ICC match referee at his/her sole discretion (if appropriate after consultation with the ICC technical official and/or the television broadcast director) if the player review could not properly be concluded due to a failure of the technology.”The article goes on to state that “any such decision shall be final and shall be taken as soon as possible, being communicated to both teams once all the relevant facts have been ascertained by the ICC match referee. A player review categorised as ‘unsuccessful’ shall not be reinstated if, despite any technical failures, the correct decision could still have been made using the other available technology.”That part of the clause appears to suggest that protocol was not followed in this case, with the decision to reinstate the review not communicated to the players before Rashid’s ball to van der Dussen.
It's been a season of ups and downs for Tottenham Hotspur but form is starting to settle and the pursuit of Champions League qualification might just bear fruit.
That eventuality looked nailed-on in the early phase of the campaign, with new manager Ange Postecoglou breathing fresh life into the outfit and firing Spurs into the ascendancy.
Winter arrived and with it furious bleak clouds, a spate of injuries and suspensions sending Tottenham's Premier League progress into a nosedive; a lapse in fluency bringing title aspirations down to hopes of a top-four finish.
Now, with the campaign approaching the business end, Tottenham have been impressive and perch in fifth place, having closed the gap to three points on Aston Villa in fourth after an emphatic 4-0 win at Villa Park one week ago – and with a game still in hand.
Precise recruitment in the transfer market has been the centre of Tottenham's success, with Postecoglou's project marrying into Daniel Levy's system, but there will need to be further accuracy on that front if any promise from the 2023/24 campaign is to turn into the milk and honey of lasting success.
Tottenham have done a good job of shipping out the deadwood so far, with the likes of Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier some of the high-profile names cast away.
Some peripheral players still need to leave, with Ryan Sessegnon's time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium surely running out.
Why Spurs signed Ryan Sessegnon
Having enjoyed something of a prodigious start to life on the senior stage with Fulham, Sessegnon signed for Tottenham in a £25m deal back in 2019, when he was just 19 years old.
The dynamic wideman, competent in any left-sided role, was remarked to be "one of the bright sparks" during Tottenham's 2019/20 campaign, his first at the club, but while he was young and lively he was also inexperienced and unrefined and so made just four starting appearances in the Premier League, albeit scoring in a 3-1 Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich.
Unfortunately, nearly five years after transferring to Tottenham the 23-year-old has completed just 57 fixtures for the club, with injuries and poor performances punctuating a once-promising career that has bitterly stagnated.
He's out of contract next summer and there is a sense that his Spurs career is at its end, especially given that he played just one match for the first team in 2023/24, coming off the bench against Burnley in the FA Cup third round in January.
Sessegnon's woes have of course been compounded by the injury issues that have derailed a promising start to life, having scored two goals and provided six assists during the 2018/19 Premier League season, his last with Fulham.
But there's no denying that he has flattered to deceive, with Spurs insider Jon Wenham even remarking that he looks like a "Championship player" when he does muster up enough fitness to grace the pitch.
That said, an endless recurrence of a hamstring problem such as Sessegnon has suffered would stifle even the most talented Premier League stars, and for this reason, he can't be considered in the same breath as some other recent Tottenham duds.
One such flop is Sergio Reguilon, who hasn't played for Spurs in nearly two years but remains on the books and must be axed to continue the revival under Postecoglou.
Why Sergio Reguilon has flopped at Spurs
Wenham has recently described Reguilon as "chaotic" after revealing that Levy is bound to make a "huge loss" on the Spaniard, who is currently marked with a paltry £5m worth, according to Football Transfers' valuation model.
This feeling of disappointment would not be so profound were the 27-year-old not at the centre of a £32m outlay, signing from Real Madrid with a weight of expectation in 2020 after being named the La Liga's best left-back in 2019/20 while on loan with Sevilla, winning the Europa League.
No doubt, he does have his qualities. Reguilon ranks among the top 7% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles and the top 5% for blocks per 90, as per FBref, but it's been some time since he played in a Tottenham shirt competitively.
Indeed, after two years plying his trade for Tottenham, Reguilon completed a loan move back to his homeland and joined Atletico Madrid, though this was a woeful sojourn that provided him with a series of injuries and just two starts in La Liga.
Wenham – seemingly a vocal critic of this ace – has also remarked that he is the "worst of the bunch" when discussing the transfer activity under Jose Mourinho's management.
Not accounting for his £53k-per-week wages across the past two seasons, which might even have been covered by Tottenham, at least partially, Reguilon has bled the club over £37m, when combining his earnings across those first two years with his transfer fee.
Per appearance
£559,000
Per goal
£18.75m
Per assist
£4.2m
Per clean sheet
£1.7m
Per booking
£3.4m
Sessegnon is still relatively young and has been beset with a torrent of fitness problems, and while it hasn't been plain sailing on the injury front for Reguilon by any stretch, he cost more money and has had ample time to establish himself as a star down N17.
With Destiny Udogie performing so well in a Tottenham shirt, it's hardly likely that Reguilon will reclaim his place in the side any time soon, even if he is averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League this season (having spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Manchester United, switching for Brentford in January), as per Sofascore, also winning 58% of his duels.
Having signed a five-year contract in 2020, Reguilon is seemingly out of contract in 2025, and it's highly unlikely that his deal will be renewed.