Royal Challengers Bangalore have found one more reason to believe in destiny. Rajat Patidar, a Royal Challengers regular who was let go this year, came in mid-season as cover for an injury to Luvnith Sisodia and scored a sensational unbeaten 112 off 54 to propel the team into the second Qualifier. There was an element of fate to Patidar’s innings: he had already done a grand job but since he was dropped in the 16th over, he scored 40 off 14 balls. His partner in carnage, Dinesh Karthik, too survived a close lbw call and a dropped catch on two before putting together 92 in 6.5 overs.

Karthik reprimanded for breaching Code of Conduct

Royal Challengers wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been reprimanded for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the Eliminator against Super Giants. Karthik admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction.

Lucknow Super Giants will rue those dropped catches because they came close in the end. Almost throughout the innings their worm stayed ahead of Royal Challengers’, but 84 in the last five overs was too tough an act to follow. The captain KL Rahul’s innings will divide opinion: he stayed conservative till the ask reached 99 off seven overs, and his jump from 48 off 42 to 79 off 58 proved to be not enough.Amid all the carnage, Super Giants’ Mohsin Khan and Royal Challengers’ Harshal Patel returned identical and remarkable figures of 4-0-25-1.Mohsin with the perfect startThe uncapped find of the season, Mohsin, started with a superb over. He drew respect out of Virat Kohli before getting Faf du Plessis for a golden duck with one that shaped in in the air and then seamed away to take the edge. As has been the template, Royal Challengers set up a base to try to go big in the last two overs of the powerplay, but were 24 for 1 in four.Patidar announces himselfWith Kohli expected to set himself up for a long innings, Patidar took all the risks in the last two overs of the powerplay. Avesh Khan threw hard lengths at him in the fifth over, but he managed to put two of those way for fours. But it was in the sixth over that Patidar really opened up. Krunal Pandya had already bowled one over without a boundary, but Patidar was not going to let the last over of the powerplay go. After he went over mid-on twice, Pandya sent the man back only for Patidar to go over the now-in mid-off. He was now toying with the field as he followed it up with a four along the ground through the covers. Royal Challengers were 52 for 1 in six.The spin slowdownRavi Bishnoi then slowed things down, bringing about a surprise early risk from Kohli, who toe-ended an upper-cut to third man for a run-a-ball 25. At 70 for 1 in 8.3 overs, it appeared Royal Challengers were not happy with where they were going because Glenn Maxwell came out and started hitting out from ball one. Pandya was at the receiving end of one shot too many to make it 86 for 3 in the 11th over.The fortuneAt the other end, Patidar found his second kick, but Bishnoi came back to get Mahipal Lomror, which brought Karthik out with two overs of spin still left. It nearly worked out for Super Giants: after a legbreak that beat Karthik on the outside edge, a Bishnoi wrong’un was denied only by an umpire’s call. In the next over, Rahul dropped a tough chance from Karthik, running back from mid-off. And then in the 16th over, a Bishnoi wrong’un bounced low, denying Patidar the elevation, but Hooda dropped a much easier chance at deep midwicket, also letting it go for four.The carnageThat reprieve freed Patidar for a third kick, the most devastating one. He is not of an imposing build nor is he a 360-degree batter, but everything he tried now began to come off. Back over Bisnoi’s head, over long-on, through the covers, he peppered the boundaries in a 27-run 16th over. In the 18th he brought up his hundred with a pulled six off Mohsin. In the 19th, he took Chameera apart.At the other end, the fear of Karthik produced many a wide to go with his 23-ball 37. The plan was to bowl wide of his reach, but Karthik kept catching up, and also ruthlessly punished the bluff balls.That winning feeling! Virat Kohli brings out a leap and a fist pump•BCCI

A similar start for LSGMohammed Siraj, brought back for the big match, came up with the big wicket in the first over as Quinton de Kock didn’t get the bounce he needed to clear mid-on. And with that went any hope of a flying start. Rahul and Manan Vohra set themselves up for the final two overs of the powerplay. Even though Josh Hazlewood got Vohra out, Rahul hit two sixes and a four off Siraj in the sixth over to make it 62 runs off the powerplay.The spin slowdown part 2In the middle overs it was almost as if there was cease fire at one end. Deepak Hooda was left with all the heavy lifting to do as Rahul took no risks against spin. With two left-hand batters in the shed, Royal Challengers kept Glenn Maxwell back and bowled more of Shahbaz Ahmed. Hooda managed to hit four sixes, but he lost his timing after a quick start.Wanindu Hasaranga and Harshal were mainly responsible for Hooda getting into a rut. Rahul still looked calm and intent on taking it deep. It wasn’t until it became 99 required off the last seven that Rahul took a risk.The LSG chargeStarting with the 14th over, Super Giants began to attack from both ends. Rahul hit two sixes off Hazlewood, Hooda put Hasaranga into the stands twice, but again the lack of bounce did it for Hooda. Marcus Stoinis had no choice but to go for it the moment he walked out, and he put Hasaranga into the stands almost immediately. For two more overs, Super Giants managed to satay abreast with the asking rate, bringing it down to 41 off the last three. They were still ahead of where Royal Challengers were at that stage.Harshal seals itHarshal, 2-0-8-0, at this point started off with two wides that went for six runs, making it two runs a ball needed. He ditched the round-the-wicket plan and went back to his original ploy of bowling short and slow into the pitch. Eventually he frustrated Stoinis into trying to create all the power and had him caught at deep cover. He left Super Giants with 33 to get off the last two overs. This was Rahul’s last chance to go after Hazlewood to make it manageable in the final over, but he started off with a leave to a wide yorker. When he ramped Hazlewood straight to short fine leg, it was all over.

Antony’s “humility” and ability has impressed everyone at Real Betis, with Isco joking that they must “crowdfund” in order to keep the Brazilian.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Brazilian winger flopped at Old Trafford
• Rediscovered lost spark since move to Spain
• Extended loan agreement is being sought

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Few knew what to expect from Antony when he moved to Spain from Manchester United during the winter transfer window. He had flopped at Old Trafford on the back of an £85 million ($110m) move from Ajax, with end product in short supply.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He has flourished in La Liga, delivering an impressive haul of goals and assists, and savoured derby glory against arch-rivals Sevilla in his latest outing. Betis are now hoping that Antony’s services can be retained beyond the end of his initial loan spell.

• WHAT ISCO SAID

  Club colleague Isco told after seeing the South American catch the eye again during a 2-1 victory over Andalusian foes Sevilla: “We need to crowdfund to see if we can bring him back for another year. He's surprised us all with his humility and his desire to help.”

  Antony repaid that compliment when saying of a team-mate who has enjoyed his own renaissance since severing ties with Real Madrid: “Playing with Isco, he's a genius. When you understand how things are done, things come easier. He's an incredible player and person.”

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Antony is loving his time with Betis and went on to say of rediscovering a spark that had started to fizzle out in England: “I feel happier and more content when I found myself, and I found myself here. I'm very grateful for everyone's affection, for the players… I'm very happy here, my focus is on Betis, I'm enjoying the city, the club, and everything every day, and I'm very happy.”

Glasgow Rangers may have lost the League Cup final on penalties last weekend, but there were plenty of positives to take from the display at Hampden Park.

Indeed, Philippe Clement’s men drew on their fighting spirit to return from the dead not once, but twice, forcing extra time courtesy of a late Danilo equaliser.

In the end, scoring three goals against Celtic isn’t something Rangers have done too often in the previous few years, but hopes will be high going into the Old Firm clash at the start of 2025.

The Belgian appears to have certain members of his first-team squad firing on all cylinders lately, which is a big bonus.

The likes of Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny and Nedim Bajrami are all pulling the strings going forward, while Nico Raskin has emerged as a player who can dominate games, both domestically and in Europe.

Hamza Igamane has been the major surprise package, however. The young forward is finally settling into life in Glasgow, and he could be vital for the club between now and the end of the season.

Hamza Igamane’s stats this season

It may have taken a few weeks for the Moroccan to get over an injury before making his debut for the Light Blues, yet he has made up for lost time over the previous few months.

Across 17 appearances for the Gers, Igamane has netted six goals, with four coming in the Europa League, while grabbing a further two assists.

His game is certainly built for the European scene, evident by his well-taken finish against Tottenham Hotspur last week which saw the Ibrox side take the lead against the North Londoners.

Along with his four goals, the youngster has also averaged 1.3 key passes per game and succeeded with 1.3 dribbles each match.

Igamane’s strike rate is also impressive, netting a goal every 48 minutes, and if he can keep that sort of rate up, Rangers have an excellent chance to go quite deep in the competition.

Metric

Europa League

Premiership

Goals

4

2

Assists

1

0

Key passes per game

1.3

0.7

Successful dribbles per game

1.3

0.8

Total shots per game

1.5

2.2

These performances have seen his market value soar in recent weeks, while even attracting attention from down south in the process…

Hamza Igamane’s market value at Rangers

Eyebrows were raised when Clement paid around £1.7m in the summer to bring the striker to Glasgow, but that could soon turn into a bargain.

Indeed, according to reports, Everton reportedly sent scouts to Ibrox to take in the Europa League clash between Rangers and Spurs, keeping a close eye on Igamane during the game.

It is clear the Toffees need some added firepower, and it looks as though they have earmarked Igamane as a player of importance.

According to Transfermarkt, the African centre-forward is now worth €2.5m (£2m), which is a slight increase on the fee the club paid for him just six months ago.

There is no doubting this valuation will soar in the coming months, especially if he keeps up his level of performance, indicating that he could make the Gers a fortune.

Clement has a few players in his squad who are worth more than Igamane, with Rabbi Matondo still holding a decent valuation despite a poor season mixed with injury issues and a lack of starts.

Rabbi Matondo’s Rangers statistics

When the Welshman arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2022, hopes were high that he could be an exciting addition to the squad, especially given his sheer pace and ability to take the ball past opposition defenders.

Unfortunately, he didn’t quite get the chance to showcase his abilities during his first campaign, making just 28 appearances in all competitions, registering a paltry five assists in the process.

Journalist Josh Bunting was critical of the winger halfway through his maiden campaign, saying in December 2022: “Rabbi Matondo with probably the worst 23 minutes I’ve seen this season, just hasn’t worked out and I said when he signed I wasn’t convinced. Has the pace but the intelligence and the awareness just really lack. His crossing really poor, no quality in it at all it was more hopeful.”

At the start of the 2023/24 season, it looked as though Matondo had made a breakthrough. Not only did he score his first goal for the club against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, but he began to emerge as a key starter under Michael Beale.

It didn’t take long for injuries to rear their head again, as the former Schalke youngster spent large sections of the campaign on the sidelines, although he did net a stunning equaliser against Celtic in March 2024.

Two goals and three assists in his first six games of the current season appeared to show a more mature Matondo, one that was capable of staying fit and forcing himself into Clement’s plans.

Like the previous two campaigns, he suffered yet another injury and has been missing since the start of September.

Rabbi Matondo’s market valuation

Despite his lack of input on the pitch in recent months, Matondo is currently valued at €3m (£2.5m) according to Transfermarkt, which suggests the Gers could sell him on for a decent price should there be any interest in the winger.

If Clement is aiming to bolster his squad during the January transfer window, then selling a few players who aren’t contributing makes a lot of sense.

On the left flank, the Belgian can utilise Oscar Cortes, Nedim Bajrami and even Igamane, which demonstrates just how far down the pecking order Matondo finds himself.

Matondo is even valued more than the young Gers sensation, although it surely won’t be long before he is overtaken. With just 18 months left on his current contract, January represents an ideal opportunity for Rangers and the Welsh winger to find a way of sorting out a deal which benefits both parties, no doubt about that.

Clement's own Matt O'Riley: Rangers lining up move for "sensational" star

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Premier League gem.

ByDan Emery Dec 19, 2024

Matt Parkinson makes debut as England’s first concussion replacement

Andrew Miller02-Jun-2022

Jack Leach was withdrawn from the first LV= Insurance Test against New Zealand at Lord’s and is a doubt for next week’s second Test at Trent Bridge, after suffering concussion symptoms following a heavy fall in the outfield.Concussion protocols allow for a player to be substituted out of the game so long as the man coming in is a like-for-like replacement. England opted for Matt Parkinson, who arrived at Lord’s from Manchester an hour before the close on the first day and can play a full part in the game.Dom Bess and Moeen Ali, who retired from Test cricket last year but has signalled his willingness to consider a return, were among the other potential call-ups that Parkinson beat to make it to the XI and play his first-ever Test match. The 25-year-old Lancashire legspinner has 126 wickets from 37 first-class games.Leach, who was playing in his first home Test match since the Ashes in 2019, suffered the injury in the sixth over of the match, as he chased a Devon Conway drive to the backward-point boundary.As Leach dived, successfully dragging the ball back from the edge of the rope, he landed heavily on his head, and appeared to injure his neck in the process. New Zealand’s medical team were the first on the scene, and attended to him for several minutes before he was able to walk from the field of play back to the pavilion.However, after subsequent examination from the ECB medical team, the decision was taken to withdraw him from the match. “Jack Leach has symptoms of concussion following his head injury whilst fielding,” read an ECB statement. “As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from this Test.”In a subsequent statement, the ECB confirmed that he would be out of action for the next seven days at least in line with protocols, meaning his participation in the Trent Bridge Test, which gets underway on June 10, is in doubt.Parkinson will make his Test debut as a concussion replacement•Getty Images

“He’s a tough character,” Matthew Potts, England’s debutant, said. “It was a freak thing that can happen. The first thing he said was, ‘I’m fine – I saved the four though!’ That is testament to his character. He’s a tough lad. We said we are going to really hunt the ball down in the field and put in a good fielding display, which we did.”Brendon McCullum, England’s new Test coach, had made a point of asking players to keep chasing every ball before this Test. “Brendon said one basic thing for his mindset is: you chase every ball to the boundary as hard as you can until it’s at the boundary edge,” Stuart Broad said on Tuesday. “That is just a mindset of positivity, all the time – that you are going to give everything to this game.”Parkinson, who has played nine games for England across the white-ball formats, has been a regular member of touring squads over the last two years and believed he was close to making his Test debut in the Caribbean. He has taken 24 wickets at 25.95 in the County Championship this season, the most of any spinner in the country.”I’m sure he has had an interesting drive down,” Potts said. “Receiving that call, I’m sure there will have been a wave of emotions. He can collect his thoughts tonight and approach tomorrow with a clear head rather than coming in very flustered from a freak scenario.”He becomes the second Test cricketer to make a debut as a concussion replacement after Zimbabwe’s Brian Mudzinganyama, who replaced Kevin Kasuza against Sri Lanka in early 2020.

MatériaMais Notícias

Uma das contratações do Coritiba para a temporada 2022 é o volante Andrey, que chegou e se adaptou rapidamente ao time de Gustavo Morínigo.

– VEJA A TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Na coletiva de imprensa, o meio-campista elogiou o ambiente e falou sobre a felicidade de jogar no Coxa.

‘No Vasco eu já não estava tão feliz, as coisas já não estavam acontecendo como eu queria. Aqui pude ser acolhido, parece que tenho muito tempo de casa’, afirmou, antes de completar:

‘Este é um momento muito importante na minha carreira. Espero manter essa regularidade até o final da temporada’, finalizou.

RelacionadasAvaíWilliam Pottker é oficializado como reforço do AvaíAvaí14/04/2022CearáLima comenta sobre início de trabalho de Dorival JuniorCeará14/04/2022VídeoLANCE! Rápido: Ronaldo assina contrato e compra SAF do Cruzeiro, Internacional pressionado na Sula e mais!Vídeo14/04/2022

Sat 14th and forced to admit that the reality of a relegation battle is no longer a world away, Ruben Amorim is reportedly demanding that Sir Jim Ratcliffe welcomes a reinforcement worth £80m for Manchester United this month.

Man Utd transfer news

Creating history that no one wants to be remembered for by losing five of his first eight league games in charge of Manchester United, the difficulty of the task at hand has never been more apparent for Amorim at Old Trafford. A third consecutive Premier League defeat looked inevitable from minute one against Newcastle United last time out, as does the departure of Marcus Rashford, who was back on the Manchester United bench but unused against the Magpies.

Just seven points clear of the dropzone following Ipswich Town’s victory over Chelsea last time out, Manchester United’s trip to Anfield this weekend couldn’t have been poorer timed as they look to avoid dropping closer and closer to disastrous circumstances.

In such a position, those at Old Trafford must find a way to welcome reinforcements even if they’ve previously seemed reluctant to do so this month, with Amorim desperate for fresh faces.

Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd "open" to letting £200k-p/w ace leave in January

Ruben Amorim has made up his mind on one of United’s top earners.

ByDominic Lund Jan 1, 2025

So much so that, according to The Daily Star, Amorim is now demanding Ratcliffe to sign Viktor Gyokeres this month, telling the Manchester United co-owner that he cannot wait for the summer transfer window and he needs a reunion with the Sporting Club star now.

It’s not always as simple as that, however. Gyokeres’ hefty £80m release clause means that, no matter how much Amorim demands his signature, the Swede may well be out of reach for Manchester United right now.

Likely left stranded with a striker who fans ironically cheered off the pitch in the first-half against Newcastle United – Joshua Zirkzee – and Rasmus Hojlund, who is yet to show more than glimpses of his potential, Amorim must simply survive the season.

Man Utd must back Amorim with "Rolls-Royce" Gyokeres

With the fear of a relegation battle growing more and more of a reality, United may be left with no choice but to spend their way out of trouble. It’s clear that the squad Amorim inherited is far from one built for success in his 3-4-2-1 system, but the Red Devils knew what their new manager required when they hired him and must now back their man in the transfer market.

Dubbed a “Rolls-Royce” by journalist Zach Lowy, Gyokeres would drag Manchester United out of the embarrassment of a relegation battle and onwards at least, but INEOS must first reach his valuation.

A player who starred under Amorim at Sporting, scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City in a Champions League thrashing of the Citizens and hitting 27 goals in 27 games this season, Gyokeres is a must-buy for United in 2025. Whether Ratcliffe will listen to Amorim’s demands remains to be seen, however.

تمكن فريق مانشستر يونايتد من تحقيق فوز كبير على مضيفه أتلتيك بلباو بنتيجة 3-0، في إطار منافسات الدوري الأوروبي لموسم 2024/2025.

وواجه مانشستر يونايتد نظيره أتلتيك بلباو، في منافسات ذهاب نصف نهائي الدوري الأوروبي، على ملعب “سان ماميس”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. فيديو | توتنهام يفوز على بودو جليمت بثلاثية ويقترب من نهائي الدوري الأوروبي

في الشوط الأول ومع الدقيقة الرابعة، أحرز أليخاندرو جارناتشو هدف مانشستر يونايتد الأول، لكنه تم إلغاء الهدف بداعي التسلل.

وكاد ألكس بيرنجوير أن يوقع على أول أهداف أتلتيك بلباو في الدقيقة السابعة، لولا تألق حارس مانشستر يونايتد أندريه أونانا.

وأهدر إينياكي ويليامز فرصة ثمينة لافتتاح التسجيل لأصحاب الأرض من ضربة رأسية، لكن رأسيته جاءت أعلى مرمى مانشستر يونايتد بالدقيقة التاسعة.

فيما أنقذ مدافع مانشستر يونايتد ليندلوف، هدفًا محققًا لصالح بلباو من على خط المرمى مع الدقيقة 18.

هدف مانشستر يونايتد الأول جاء بضربة رأسية من كاسيميرو بحلول الدقيقة 30، بعد تمريرة عرضية من ماجواير إلى أوجارتي، الذي مررها بالرأس على القائم الآخر لينجح اللاعب البرازيلي في هز شباك أصحاب الأرض.

وتحصل مانشستر يونايتد على ركلة جزاء نتج عنها إشهار البطاقة الحمراء لـ فيفيان بعد إعاقة هويلوند، لينجح برونو فيرنانديز في إضافة ثاني أهداف الشياطين الحمر بالدقيقة 37.

وبتمريرة حاسمة من أوجارتي، وقع برونو فيرنانديز على ثالث أهداف مانشستر يونايتد بحلول الدقيقة 45.

في الشوط الثاني، تواصلت تهديدات لاعبي مانشستر يونايتد على مرمى بلباو وكاد كاسيميرو أن يضيف رابع أهداف مانشستر يونايتد من ضربة رأسية لولا تألق أجيريزابالا.

وعجز لاعبو أتلتيك بلباو عن تقليص نتيجة المباراة، حيث فشلوا في خلق فرصة حقيقية على مرمى مانشستر يونايتد.

بهذه النتيجة، يتمكن مانشستر يونايتد من تحقيق فوز هام ليضع قدماً في نهائي الدوري الأوروبي، في انتظار مواجهة الإياب.

يذكر أن لقاء الإياب بين الفريقين سيقام على ملعب “أولد ترافورد”، يوم الخميس المقبل في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة. اهداف مباراة مانشستر يونايتد واتلتيك بلباو (3-0) الدوري الاوروبي

Arsenal’s title ambitions have often stuttered this season, with injuries massively halting their progress under Mikel Arteta after numerous near misses.

Martin Odegaard has been the midfield orchestrator in recent years, but his absence with an ankle issue took away their biggest creative asset, leading to a decline in results.

However, the defence has often been plagued with setbacks, leading to various different partnerships along the backline, offering no continuity, which has undoubtedly contributed to the lack of threat to current Premier League leaders Liverpool.

In recent weeks, a handful of absentees have made their way back into action, which has seen results return to a form of normality, including a 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace on Saturday night.

The Spaniard could be about to bolster his defensive options in the next couple of weeks, with the transfer window just around the corner.

Arsenal set to make offer for £62m star

According to one Spanish outlet, Arsenal are preparing a bid to sign Barcelona defender Jules Koundé ahead of the January transfer window.

The report states that the Gunners are willing to offer €75m (£62m) for the France international, with the former Sevilla star said to be keen on a move to England’s top flight.

Kounde would provide that added cover Arteta has massively desired in recent months, featuring in 70 games this calendar year – the most of any player in world football.

He’s capable of featuring in either a centre-back or right-back role should he make the move to North London, with his ball-playing assets of massive interest to the Gunners boss, according to the report.

Given the current partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of the backline, he would likely fill in a right-sided role but would face serious competition from the current options at the Emirates.

Why Kounde could be like White & Timber

Ben White and Jurrien Timber have often shared the right-back role this season, often covering for one another during the respective injury lay-offs.

Transfer Focus

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

Englishman White has been missing since the start of November with a knee issue, allowing the Dutchman to stake his claim for a regular starting role after missing the vast majority of his debut year in England with an ACL injury.

However, both of the aforementioned players are similar to the Barcelona star in the fact they have both featured centrally, before being utilised in a full-back role – highlighting their versatility under the Gunners boss.

Their similarities are further reflected by FBref, ranking the two Arsenal stars as similar players to Kounde based on their respective figures in the Champions League so far this campaign.

When delving into their stats, the comparison is understandable, with the Frenchman bettering the pair in various key areas across the pitch.

The “world-class” talent, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has more combined goals and assists in Europe, also managing more progressive carries per 90 – showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet.

However, he’s been just as impressive out of possession, making more blocks per 90 and making more recoveries to get himself into defensive positions.

The fee touted would be yet another mammoth investment from the club’s hierarchy, but it’s clear for all to see how much he would bolster Arteta’s defensive department.

Arsenal’s backline has taken a battering in recent times, with Kounde’s potential arrival handing the club the added depth needed if they are to mount a title charge during the second half of the season.

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“It’s just how we play, mate”. That’s often been the response from Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou when quizzed on the club’s current playing style.

It’s certainly entertaining. That said, Spurs have now conceded over 50 shots in their last three home matches and also conceded 13 goals in those clashes.

Now, you may well argue that the Lilywhites are without the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven but there is a lack of planning from Postecoglou when the going gets tough.

Where’s the plan B? It doesn’t look like there is one. As such, no matter the scoreline, Spurs play a high line and are repeatedly punished for doing so.

When will the penny drop? It might not be until the Aussie is relieved from his duties, not that it looks like that will happen anytime soon.

Ange is a likeable bloke, let’s get that out there. He really is. He’s been an honest voice and knows the culture of this football club has to change if they want to win trophies. However, as a team like Arsenal have shown, you need a strong defence in order to build the foundations from the ground up.

Van de Ven and Romero’s returns will be key, but so will some January recruits. Speaking of which, here’s one that may well happen in 2025…

Spurs chasing Serie A star in 2025

So, on this occasion, it’s not the defence that’s being touted with being strengthened. Instead, it’s a midfielder who would undoubtedly make the spine of this Spurs team a great deal stronger.

Indeed, according to reports from ESPN last week, it revealed a few targets that the Londoners could look towards in the new year.

Transfer Focus

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

One of those is Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, who the club have reportedly been scouting with a view to making a move.

Previous reports have suggested that the talented Dutch midfielder could set any suitor back a £50m fee.

So, what would Reijnders offer anyone who signs him? The answer is a great deal.

Why Spurs should sign Tijjani Reijnders

Celebrated as one of the “top five midfielders this season” in Europe by data analyst Ben Mattinson, it’s already evident that Spurs would be making quite the statement by signing Reijnders.

Aged 26-year-old, the Milan star is swiftly approaching his prime and he’s certainly playing like that at the moment.

A scorer of eight goals in 2024/25 to date, he can offer you goals but he’s a creative asset too, registering three assists this term. Those numbers are already better than what he posted last campaign when the Dutch midfielder scored four times and supplied four assists.

So, he’s getting better all the time and he also gives you versatility, capable of playing as a holding midfielder, a number 8 or as an attack-minded midfielder.

That would paint him in the James Maddison or Dejan Kulusevski mould, so one might question the need for him. Well, look at how he stacks up to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Phil Foden and let us know what you think now.

Indeed, according to FBRef’s similar players tool, the three are noted as comparable assets. Reijnders might not have a 27-goal seasonal haul in him like Foden registered in 2023/24 but there are some parallels to draw.

Progressive passes

6.65

10

5.18

Key passes

1.53

2.90

2.23

Passes into final 3rd

4.92

4.70

2.29

Pass success %

89%

84%

85%

Long passes completed

2.99

2.47

2.43

Long pass success %

71%

63%

53%

Touches

62

66

66

Successful take-ons

1.24

1.18

1.35

Progressive carries

3.08

2.72

2.78

Tackles won

0.63

0.53

0.52

The numbers outlined above are particularly impressive and although Odegaard is by far the most creative of the three, making 2.90 key passes per 90 minutes, there are a number of similarities to dive into here.

Firstly, they both have a similar influence on the ball in their team, with only four touches per 90 separating the trio. Interestingly, they make a very similar number of progressive carries and successfully take on a player with a near-identical level of efficiency.

It’s perhaps unsurprising to see that Reijnders completes more long balls per 90 given he can play in a deeper role but it outlines the sheer range of his skillset here. He can play long, he can play short, he can beat opponents with his dribbling and he can score goals.

This would be a fabulous signing for Spurs and one that could take Postecoglou’s team to the next level.

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Everton are now seriously interested in signing an “incredible” new right-back who will be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Moyes keen to strengthen his squad this month

David Moyes has taken over as manager of Everton with the club in a precarious position in the Premier League table, but the timing of his appointment means he will be able to put his own stamp on the squad by bringing in some new players this month.

Moyes’ first signing could soon be on the way, as the Toffees are closing in on a deal to sign Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah, with the 21-year-old now just one step away from completing a move to Goodison Park.

Bringing in new attacking options may be a priority for the new boss, given that he has already held talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin about the striker’s lack of goals this season, saying: “We’ll give him as much confidence as we can and as much practice as we can but then there’s a bit where you need the players to stand up and do his bit as well.

“I’m just in and hopefully will get them working but I have told him I am needing goals off him right away and he has to start deliver.”

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Addressing the lack of goals may be more of a pressing issue for Moyes than strengthening the defence, but Everton are also keen to bring in a right-back, and reports from the Netherland suggest they are now targeting Ajax’s Devyne Rensch.

The Toffees are said to be seriously interested in Rensch, who has now made it clear he does not want to sign a new contract with the Eredivisie side. The Merseyside club are hoping to get a deal done for free in the summer, but there will be competition from elsewhere, with AS Roma seeing a €5m (£4.2m) bid knocked back this month.

Ajax are asking for almost double that amount, indicating they would be willing to let their captain leave for around £8m this winter.

Rensch could be a quality addition for Everton

The 21-year-old has been lauded as “incredible” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, and he has been a key player for Ajax this season, making 13 appearances in the Eredivisie.

With an average WhoScored match rating of 7.08 in the league, the starlet is ranked as his side’s best-performing player, indicating he could be ready to take the next step in his career by moving to the Premier League.

Seamus Coleman has been a fantastic servant to Everton, but the Irishman is now 36-years-old, meaning Moyes will need to bring in a long-term replacement. Rensch’s performances in the Eredivisie indicate he could fit the bill perfectly, and it is an added bonus that he is likely to be available for free in the summer.