Autor de um dos gols do Palmeiras na vitória sobre o Fortaleza, no sábado (22), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o meia Richard Ríos usou as redes sociais para dedicar o tento ao ex-companheiro de clube Giovani, vendido ao Al-Sadd, do Qatar.
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– Tudo vai estar bem, (você) vai voltar mais forte. Esse gol é para você, meu irmão – escreveu o volante em publicação no Instagram.
+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão
+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!
O momento não poderia deixar de ser mais oportuno. Logo em sua estreia pelo clube árabe, Giovani sofreu uma lesão de ligamento cruzado e cartilagem.Deve ficar um bom tempo afastado dos gramados.
O gol de Richard Ríos abriu o placar para o Palmeiras na partida contra o Fortaleza. Ainda no primeiro tempo, o Verdão sofreu o empate, mas conseguiu a vitória depois que Raphael Veiga e Breno Lopes balançaram as redes na reta final do embate.
أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز اليوم الأربعاء، عن أفضل لاعب في المسابقة المحلية خلال هذا الأسبوع، والذي شهد منافسة قوية، حيث لعبت قمة مانشستر يونايتد وليفربول على ملعب “أنفيلد”.
وحقق مانشستر يونايتد الانتصار على ليفربول بهدفين مقابل هدف، يوم الأحد الماضي، حيث شهدت المباراة إثارة كبيرة وسجل هاري ماجواير هدف انتصار الشياطين الحمر في النهاية.
وحصل ماجواير على جائزة أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن الجولة الثامنة، وذلك بعد مستواه الرائع أمام ليفربول وتسجيله لهدف انتصار مانشستر يونايتد.
طالع.. قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة يوفنتوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. عودة مصاب
ماجواير تفوق على كل من جيان فيليب ماتيتا، مهاجم كريستال بالاس، وبوكايو ساكا، نجم آرسنال، وريس جيمس، قائد تشيلسي، ونوردي موكيلي، مدافع سندرلاند، وبيدرو نيتو، جناح تشيلسي، وإيلي جونيور كروبي، لاعب بورنموث، ليحصل على الجائزة.
ولعب ماجواير مباراة مانشستر يونايتد وليفربول بشكل أساسي، وساهم بشكل رئيسي في تألق دفاع الشياطين الحمر وسط هجمات أصحاب الأرض.
وتقاسم جائزة لاعب الأسبوع في الدوري الإنجليزي العديد من النجوم خلال الأسابيع الماضية، مثل إيرلينج هالاند، نجم هجوم مانشستر سيتي، ومويسيس كايسيدو، متوسط ميدان نادي تشيلسي، ودومينيك سوبوسلاي وريان جرافنبرخ، ثنائي ليفربول.
Antony's Manchester United team-mates reportedly had doubts about the winger's ability and concerns were raised over his conduct towards Carrington staff. The Brazilian swapped Ajax for the Red Devils in a whopping £85 million ($115m) deal in 2022 and joined Real Betis this summer for £63.8m ($86m) less than that. Now, more grumblings about the 25-year-old are coming out of the woodwork.
Man Utd overrated Antony
In 96 appearances for United, Antony scored just 12 goals and added five assists. Compare that to his numbers at Betis, nine goals and five assists in 28 games, and you get a very different picture. According to The Sun, it is said that Brighton valued the then-Ajax man at £25m ($34m) and the Red Devils were 'sceptical' about the Dutch team's £60m ($81m) asking price. But convincing losses to Brighton and Brentford sent the club into 'panic mode' and the rest is history.
AdvertisementGettyConcerns over Antony's ability and attitude
The report adds that Antony never really won over his fellow United players and many questioned his ability and how he treated canteen staff at the club's training ground. Most of his 'allies' were said to be among the Latin contingent in the dressing room.
Real Betis value Antony more
Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has explained how he got the best out of Antony.
"Our style is more creative and Antony is a creative player, so he feels important. That changes your mindset as a player," he said.
Team-mate Giovani Lo Celso added: "It’s not been an easy summer for him as we know how English clubs behave in these situations. They won’t let you train, things get difficult. But every time he touches the ball there’s this feeling of danger, so it’s great. It’s very contagious as well. I’m glad he’s back."
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Getty Images SportAntony to come up against Premier League opposition
Antony, who helped Betis reach last season's Conference League final before losing to Chelsea, is likely to feature for the Spanish team when they take on Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest in the Europa League on Wednesday night.
It has been a long time since the mood around Arsenal has been so jubilant.
Amazingly, it was the complete opposite just a couple of days ago, with fans having to deal with fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur closing in on Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz suffering another potentially significant injury.
Fortunately, everything changed on Wednesday evening when reports broke of the club going back in and hijacking the move for the Crystal Palace star.
With a ‘here we go’ from Fabrizio Romano and news of him completing his medical yesterday, the Gunners have finally got their hands on the potentially game-changing number ten they’ve needed for so long.
Yet, if Arsenal want to really get the most out of Eze and help him reach or surpass the numbers Liverpool’s new ten, Florian Wirtz, put up last season, they should be going in for another international they’ve been linked with 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.
Why Arsenal signed Eze
One of the primary reasons Arsenal decided to splash the cash on Eze this summer is undoubtedly his output of the last few years.
For example, across the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, was able to score 25 goals and provide 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.
In other words, the former QPR gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes for a mid-table side.
Appearances
36
43
Minutes
2285′
3303′
Goals
11
14
Assists
6
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.47
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
134.41′
132.12′
The second significant reason the North Londoners went all out for the Greenwich-born superstar is the fact that he can play as a ten and out on the left.
These were two of the most significant problem areas for the team last season, as Martin Odegaard was miles off his creative best and neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard were able to offer enough threat out wide.
Finally, while it will take some time for the 5 foot 10 dynamo to familiarise himself with Arsenal’s style of player and Arteta’s tactical ideas, he’s Premier League-proven.
Therefore, it shouldn’t take anywhere near as long as some of the Gunners’ other signings to get up to speed.
However, while Eze looks like he could be a game-changing addition to the North Londoners’ squad, they could potentially get even more out of him and help him hit the numbers of Wirtz last season by signing another international star they’ve been linked with: Ademola Lookman.
Why Lookman can help Eze hit Wirtz numbers
Given their attacking problems last season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the sheer number of offensive players Arsenal have been linked with this summer.
One of the most exciting and intriguing of those has been Lookman, who could be available for around £43m after his move to Inter Milan fell through, and he could help Eze hit the incredible numbers Wirtz did last season: 31 goal involvements in 45 games.
The first reason we think this is that the Nigerian international is a lean, mean output machine.
Appearances
33
45
40
Minutes
1858′
2809′
2871′
Goals
15
17
20
Assists
8
10
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.69
0.60
0.67
Minutes per Goal Involvement
80.78′
104.03′
106.33
Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.
That means the 5 foot 9 monster has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent.
Just imagine the sort of numbers the former Everton man would put up in this Arsenal side, and then the goals and assists the Palace ace could chalk up playing alongside him.
Moreover, there would be plenty of opportunities for the two to play together, as even though the Wandsworth-born game-changer spent much of last season up top, he is just as comfortable playing on either wing, as a second striker, or even in midfield.
This ability to cover practically every area of the attack also means that he could cover for the FA Cup winner when needed, ensuring he isn’t overplayed and is always near his best.
Ultimately, Eze is an excellent signing in his own right, but were Arsenal to also bring in Lookman this summer, he could help the Englishman hit the sort of numbers Wirtz did for Bayer Leverkusen last year.
Palace's "unusual" Eze demand sparked Tottenham fear before Arsenal hijack
The England international has agreed to re-join his boyhood club.
Everton supporters will be excited about the Premier League season ahead as top-flight football finally comes to the Toffees’ new home in the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
They will have to wait that little bit longer for the action to start on their home patch, however, as Elland Road will be the first ground ticked off this season when David Moyes’ men face off against the stern prospect of a newly promoted Leeds United side.
Brand new recruit Adam Aznou could well have the privilege of making his Premier League debut for the Merseyside outfit in West Yorkshire, with more new signings surely in the pipeline to join the up-and-coming defender, before September’s abrupt cut-off.
Everton pushing to sign free agent star
The Toffees are four signings down this summer already, with promising French attacker Thierno Barry the pick of the bunch for a sturdy £27m.
However, Moyes and Co. are likely to push on with more fresh additions, with Douglas Luiz one high-profile name on their radar to boost their options in central midfield.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Everton aren’t just looking at the ex-Aston Villa star in isolation to bolster their numbers centrally, however, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Josh Brownhill is also on their agenda.
Indeed, that exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT has highlighted that both Leeds and Everton are locked into a tussle to win the free agent’s services, after the skilful Englishman allowed his Burnley contract to run down.
However, it could be a tall order to win the former Clarets captain’s services, owing to a further development that Toronto FC have offered a bumper £100k-per-week deal to the 29-year-old.
Still, the report states that Everton are pushing to try and convince Brownhill to remain put on English shores, with the potential here for the Manchester-born midfielder to become Moyes’ next Leon Osman in offering plenty of goals and assists in key moments.
How Brownhill could become Moyes' next Osman
After all, much like Brownhill would arrive on the scene for nothing, Osman cost Everton zilch when he emerged up the Merseyside ranks as a homegrown gem.
Amazingly, by the close of his long-winded Everton journey, Osman would have 58 goals and 36 assists next to his name from 433 appearances, with his output not letting up right until his retirement in 2016.
Games played
433
462
Goals scored
58
58
Assists
36
40
Indeed, just three years before hanging up his boots, Osman – who was donning the Toffees armband on the day – would rifle home a stunning effort against eventual title-winners Manchester City.
Brownhill provided a similar class to proceedings at Turf Moor last season when helping Scott Parker’s men clinch a triumphant promotion back up to the Premier League, as seen in him collecting a mammoth 18 goals and six assists across 42 second-tier outings.
It will just be up to the experienced midfielder to translate this blistering Burnley form to the top-flight, but there are promising signs already that he can perform at the daunting level.
From 111 appearances so far in the difficult division, the “brilliant” midfielder – as he was glowingly labelled by Parker – has six goals and six assists next to his name, with lots more hopefully heading his way when surrounded by better quality teammates at Everton, over consistent relegation dog-fights hitting him in the face.
The hope will just be that Brownhill can be that new Osman-like spark for Moyes to rely upon, having also once been dubbed a “crucial” part of the Turf Moor jigsaw under ex-Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.
Toronto’s excessive offer might well make this deal tricky to pull off, but the 29-year-old could favour a move to Merseyside over an MLS switch, knowing he could be as loved as Osman down the line.
Everton enter race to sign "gifted" £30m+ McAtee alternative for Moyes
The sky is blue, water is wet, and Chelsea are once again making the most of the summer transfer window.
So far, the Blues have made several top-quality additions to Enzo Maresca’s side, such as Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
Moreover, the West Londoners are also hard at work facilitating a number of exits for the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, and Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the start of the second half
Yet, the Conference League champions aren’t done there, as they continue to be linked with Alejandro Garnacho, although reports have also touted another international for a move to Stamford Bridge, someone who’d be a far better signing.
Chelsea target massive Garnacho upgrade
Chelsea have been linked with Garnacho for some time now, with reports touting the Manchester United ace for a move to West London popping up as far back as the winter window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, the links have become far more concrete in recent weeks, no doubt in part thanks to the falling out between the Argentine and Ruben Amorim at the end of last season.
Should the Blues act on their supposed interest in the 21-year-old, reports suggest they’d need to stump up around £40m to secure his services, although while he could end up being a smart buy for Maresca and Co, they would be wise to sign another Premier League star they appear to be keen on: Morgan Rogers.
Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Chelsea are still interested in the Aston Villa star this summer.
As things stand, the West Londoners have not acted on this interest, and the report makes no mention of how much the Englishman could cost in the coming weeks.
However, according to other stories from earlier this summer, it would seem that an offer of £100m would be enough to tempt the Claret and Blue into selling.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it would be one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a far better signing than Garnacho.
Why Rogers would be a far better signing than Garnacho
So, before we even get into their actual ability as players, the first big plus in Rogers’ favour is that, so far in his career, he has not caused problems for his team, nor has he fallen out with his manager and become a problem in the dressing room.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
Unfortunately for Garnacho, as we’ve mentioned above, the same cannot be said, as not only did he have a rather public falling out with Amorim last season, but the manager even reportedly told him he’d have to “pray” another club came in for him this summer.
While there is every chance that Maresca will be able to control the Argentine in West London, it’s worth considering if he’s shown he’s worth the extra effort it might take to keep him on side, especially when the squad seems so harmonious at this point in time.
With all of that said, there are some significant non-behavioural reasons the Blues would be better off signing than Villa ace anyway, such as their respective output.
For example, in 54 appearances last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Claret and Blue’s free-scoring “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, put the ball in the back of the net 14 times and provided 15 assists for good measure.
Appearances
54
58
Minutes
4496′
3568′
Goals
14
11
Assists
15
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.53
0.36
Minutes per Goal Involvement
155.03′
169.90
In other words, the Halesowen-born monster was able to maintain a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes, which is made even more impressive when you consider he was also playing in the Champions League, against sides like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
In contrast, the United troublemaker scored 11 goals and provided ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3568 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes.
What’s important to note here is that six of the Madrid-born ace’s goal involvements came in the League Cup and five came in the Europa League, so not only was he less productive than the Villa dynamo, but he was less productive in far easier competitions.
Ultimately, Garnacho is not a bad player, but however you look at it, Rogers would be the far better signing for Chelsea this summer, even at a substantially higher price.
Better signing than Hato: Chelsea now leading race for £52m PL "nightmare"
The dynamic gem could be something special at Chelsea.
A £140,000 a-week Liverpool player is now excited about leaving the Premier League champions after his agent met with a top European club, according to a new report.
Liverpool announce Kerkez and close in on Marc Guehi transfer
Liverpool announced their third major signing of the summer on Thursday, as Milos Kerkez joined the Reds in a deal worth £40 million from AFC Bournemouth. His arrival now takes Liverpool’s spending to £170 million so far this summer, but the Reds and Arne Slot are not finished there.
Liverpool set to send nearly £10m to Chelsea as they close in on centre-back deal
Liverpool are closing in on another signing following Kerkez’s arrival.
1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025
According to Daveockop, Liverpool are now close to signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The England international is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, and the Reds are hoping that can work in their favour as they try to bring Guehi to Anfield in a deal between £40-45 million.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
It’s been reported that the Premier League champions are close to agreeing personal terms with the defender, and that could see this deal progress as they now switch their attentions to their next transfer target.
But these big arrivals mean Liverpool are going to be looking to move some fringe players on, and they have now received a boost in their bid to see one player leave this summer.
£140,000-per-week Liverpool ace excited to leave
According to Corriere dello Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is now keen on joining Napoli after a meeting between the Serie A club and his agent on Wednesday.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
The report states that Nunez is “fired up” by the idea of playing under Antonio Conte and sees a move to Naples as a chance to rediscover his best form. While his agent and the Italian side have held numerous rounds of talks, there is still a long way to go for the two clubs to agree a transfer fee.
It is claimed that Liverpool are now looking to sell Nunez for around €58.6 million, which is roughly £50 million. This is still considered high for Napoli, and they are trying to reduce this transfer fee through intermediaries.
Apps
143
Goals
40
Assists
26
Nunez, who currently earns £140,000 a week at Anfield, joined the Reds back in August 2022 from Benfica. The forward came with a promising reputation after scoring 26 goals in 28 Liga Portugal games in his final season with Benfica. However, while Nunez has scored goals, he has struggled to replicate the form he showed in Portugal.
Last season, Nunez scored just five times in 30 Premier League games, which was a considerable drop-off from the 11 he scored in the previous campaign. The Uruguay international is still under contract until 2028, but his departure for around £50 million would allow Liverpool to balance the books in what has been a summer of heavy investment.
Next season looks set to be a massive one for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side are coming off the back of a tough year in which they were still able to qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League, and are now in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.
In other words, the expectations for next season’s Premier League campaign are more than a little high.
Fortunately, the board are doing their part to support the team in the transfer market, and after securing Joao Pedro, they appear to be targeting someone who could be their own Martin Zubimendi.
Chelsea target their own Zubimendi
It’s already been a jam-packed summer of deals for Chelsea.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Before they even left for the Club World Cup, the Blues had secured the services of young up-and-coming talents like Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr, as well as the exciting Liam Delap, who has already opened his account for the club out in the USA.
However, the most significant deal the Pensioners have sealed thus far has been for Pedro, who completed his £60m move from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week, after racking up a tally of 17 goal involvements in 30 appearances for the Seagulls last season.
Yet, while that might be a window’s worth of transfers for some clubs, the West Londoners are nowhere near done and now appear to be targeting a talented midfielder who could be their own Zubimendi.
At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are intensely interested in Marc Casado.
The report goes a step further, revealing that the Blues have already submitted an offer worth around €40m for the 21-year-old, which is about £34m.
However, they are not the only ones to do so, as the story also states that Napoli, Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen have made similar offers.
FC Barcelona's MarcCasadocelebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Casado’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their own Zubimendi.
Why Casado could be Chelsea's Zubimendi
There are several reasons why Casado could be viewed as Chelsea’s own Zubimendi, and one of those relates to the transfer itself.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action with Real Sociedad's MartinZubimendi
After all, like the soon-to-be Arsenal star, he too will be moving from a major side in La Liga to a London-based ‘big six’ side.
Moreover, they are both now Spanish internationals, with the 26-year-old now having 19 senior caps to his name, and the younger Barcelona gem already having two, despite being just 21 years old.
Barcelona's Marc Casado against Benfica.
However, the comparison goes further than that, as, just like his older compatriot, the sought-after youngster is someone who can play in central midfield when needed, but he is far and away more comfortable and better suited to playing as an out-and-out defensive midfielder.
However, just because he can do some of the dirty work for his side does not mean he cannot help kickstart attacks, as, like the former Real Soicedad star, he is a brilliant passer and someone who ‘always wants to make the progressive passes,’ per Breaking the Lines.
You don’t just have to take their word for it, though, as you can see this part of his game in some of his impressive underlying numbers.
According to FBref, the midfield “animal,” as dubbed by teammate Bryan Zaragoza, sat in the top 3% of midfielders in La Liga last season for live-ball passes, the top 5% for passes attempted and completed, the top 6% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.
Passes Completed (Short)
36.54
Top 2%
Passes Attempted (Short)
39.44
Top 2%
Tackles (Mid 3rd)
1.68
Top 2%
Touches (Mid 3rd)
58.10
Top 2%
Goals/Shot on Target
1.00
Top 3%
Live-ball Passes
74.30
Top 3%
Passes Completed
68.21
Top 5%
Passes Attempted
76.37
Top 5%
Passes into Final Third
7.71
Top 6%
Total Passing Distance
1046.09
Top 7%
Pass Completion %
89.3%
Top 10%
Ultimately, while he may not be a well-known quantity in England, Casado has demonstrated himself to be a talented defensive midfielder with an eye for a pass.
Therefore, Chelsea should consider bringing him to the Bridge this summer, as he could be their answer to Arsenal’s Zubimendi.
Imagine him & Pedro: Chelsea in talks to sign "frightening" Madueke upgrade
The incredible talent could be a star for Chelsea.
“If you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys,” Australia captain said
Andrew McGlashan23-Jun-20241:16
Moody: Haven’t seen an Australian side field so poorly
Mitchell Marsh has backed Australia’s big-game mentality to come to the fore against India after their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan left their T20 World Cup 2024 hopes in jeopardy amid question marks over another lackluster fielding display.Australia have a very short turnaround as they play the day game in St Lucia on Monday – following a finish of close to midnight in St Vincent – and even a victory may not be enough to reach the semi-finals, which shows how quickly a campaign that had been running smoothly can be rocked: had they beaten Afghanistan, progress would have been confirmed along with India.What is close to must-win cricket in World Cups is not a new experience to Australia – they were effectively in that mode for much of the ODI edition last year after a poor start – and Marsh was confident they could dig deep again.Related
'Everything pointed towards Agar' – Marsh on Starc's omission against Afghanistan
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'Afghanistan continue to produce magical stories'
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“We have a lot of belief in our group,” Marsh said. “We are a very good cricket team. Yes, tonight we had an off night, but I guess there’s also a positive in the fact that in 36 hours we go again. I think if you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys, so the boys will certainly be up and about for it.””It’s all about trusting ourselves,” he added. “We’ve got a good bunch of people and I believe our best is up there with the best. So, we need to bring that on whatever day it is in a couple of days’ time and move forward pretty quickly.”For the second time in three matches, Australia were poor in the field with five missed catches – none of which were easy – and a stumping from Matthew Wade, plus some poor groundwork as they were put under pressure by Afghanistan’s running between the wickets.
“…ultimately, we have 36 hours to turn it around and I still believe that our best is very good in the field.”Mitchell Marsh
“We certainly pride ourselves on our fielding,” he said. “Can’t question the boys putting in the work. I think it’s no different to any other skill set. We put in the work, we didn’t execute in the field tonight and ultimately it played a part in us losing the game.”I think we don’t want to have too many off nights in the field but I also believe that at our best we’re an unbelievable fielding side so it’s easy to look at tonight and, yes, it was disappointing but ultimately, we have 36 hours to turn it around and I still believe that our best is very good in the field.”In contrast, Afghanistan were excellent, most significantly with Noor Ahmad’s superb catch to remove Glenn Maxwell when he was threatened to guide the chase home.”I think in T20 especially, a short format, where you make those small mistakes, it’s pretty hard for you to come back,” Rashid Khan said. “In ODIs, yes, you have 50 overs where you can have the comeback. But in T20…you don’t have any space where you can come back again into the game. I think fielding plays [as] crucial role as the batting and bowling.”
While they were less successful on the trophy front than the current Tottenham Hotspur team, it would be fair to say the side Mauricio Pochettino built was the best the club has seen in the modern era.
From front to back, the team was filled with simply sensational players who really should have won at least a couple of major honours during their time in North London.
The likes of Harry Kane and a younger Son Heung-min would give opposition defenders nightmares, while Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld did the same to opposition attackers.
However, arguably, the most talented player in that squad was Mousa Dembélé, and now it looks like Ange Postecoglou might be brewing his own version of the Belgian.
Mousa Dembélé's Spurs career
Dembélé joined Tottenham in the summer of 2012 from fellow Premier League side Fulham for a fee of just £15m, which, in retrospect, has to be looked at as one of the deals of the century.
Former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele.
It didn’t take long at all for the former Cottagers star to settle into life with the Lilywhites, scoring his first goal for the club on his debut – a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich City.
He finished his first campaign in North London with two goals and five assists to his name in 44 appearances, and while he looked the part, he only improved when Pochettino took charge ahead of the following season.
Under the Argentine, the Antwerpen-born titan became the all-action “monster,” as dubbed by Eric Dier, that he’s remembered as today.
It was practically impossible to get the ball off of him, and if he didn’t have it, you could be sure that he’d do everything he could to win it off the opposition – usually to great success.
The 37-year-old icon was the engine of that Spurs side, and to say his teammates appreciated him would be a massive understatement, with Kyle Walker once describing him as “the best player I’ve ever seen play football” and Harry Kane simply calling him “incredible.”
After making 249 appearances for the club, in which he scored ten goals and provided ten assists, the midfield maestro finally left in January 2019 to join the Chinese Super League.
Appearances
249
Starts
181
Minutes
16115′
Goals
10
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.08
Minutes per Goal Involvement
805.75
However, some of his teammates would have liked him to stay for the rest of that season, as Kieran Trippier would later claim that Spurs could have won the Champions League with him still in the side.
He might have done what the club’s new Dembélé did for them against Manchester United on Wednesday night.
The Spurs star becoming their new Dembélé
Okay, so the first thing to say here is that we aren’t arguing that anyone in the current Spurs squad is as good a player as Dembélé was, as that would be absurd.
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However, there is one youngster who starred on Wednesday night and has some of the characteristics that could see him develop into the team’s modern version of the Belgian: Pape Matar Sarr.
The Senegalese international joined Tottenham under Nuno Espírito Santo’s reign for around £14.6m, and after spending the 2021/22 season on loan with the French side, made his way to North London, where he has continued to develop since.
Much like the club’s former number 19, the 22-year-old is primarily a central midfielder but has the ability and flexibility to play in defensive midfield and, even on occasion, slightly further up the pitch.
In terms of his style of play, the “sensational” dynamo, as dubbed by Spurs content creator tehTrunk, is constantly on the move, be that darting forward to help out in attacks or covering ground to help out the defence, and while he’s not quite as safe on the ball, you’d have described the former Lilywhites star in a similar way.
We saw all of these characteristics in Bilbao, with Spurs writer Alasdair Gold awarding him a 9/10 match rating at full-time for his ‘constantly running display’ and how well he did ‘to break up United’s play.’
Ultimately, while we would never say Sarr is on the same level as Dembélé, we do think there are parts of his game that are quite similar, and with another few years of development, he could get close.
Spurs' 18-year-old "monster" is going to be better than Romero & Van de Ven
The tremendously exciting youngster could be special for Spurs.