Guglielmo Vicario explained the differences between Thomas Frank's methods to Ange Postecoglou's as the goalkeeper admitted that Tottenham have a better "understanding" under the new boss. The Italian talked about the dramatic shift inside the dressing room, revealing how Frank’s pragmatic approach has ripped up Postecoglou’s ultra-attacking mantra and replaced it with discipline, structure, and grit.
Clean sheets are the new currency
Tuesday night’s 1-0 triumph over Villarreal in the Champions League wasn’t just a statement win. It was another defensive masterclass. That shutout made it four clean sheets in their first five matches under Frank. Compare that to the same stage under Postecoglou a year ago, when Spurs had just one clean sheet to their name. The difference couldn’t be starker. Vicario insists the team now have a far deeper understanding of how to manage games from back to front.
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Learning to read the fight
Talking to reporters, Vicario said: "What has changed is being able to recognise the different phases of the game, understanding when we need to press high with intensity and when we need to cover the pitch better. In general, there’s more focus on defending the box, also because we have more clarity about the different movements without the ball."
But the keeper wasn’t blind to the flaws, either. He admitted Spurs gave Villarreal too many opportunities on the break and warned they need to “take away hope” from teams trying to hit them on the counter.
“Against Villarreal, we allowed a few too many transitions, and we need to take away a bit of hope from the opponents when they go on counterattack. Overall, it was an excellent defensive performance as a team, and we have to keep going this way," he added.
A club reborn by silverware
Vicario believes the biggest transformation has come from the Europa League triumph last season, a moment that broke Tottenham’s infamous cycle of near-misses.
“Winning surely gives you a different dimension, probably even in the eyes of others and a bit of healthy respect. We used to have this thing, even within the club, of being the ones who always got there but never managed to win,” he said.
“But now we’ve done it. That’s freed us up a little. We’ve taken a weight off our shoulders, so we can now move forward, aware of our strengths. And also with some goals, which we’ll keep to ourselves, but we absolutely want to achieve.”
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Flying start proves the point
Tottenham’s early-season form suggests Frank’s blueprint is already paying off. Three wins from their opening four league matches have them planted firmly in the mix at the top end of the table. The next challenge comes on Saturday at the Amex, where Brighton will test Spurs’ newfound defensive steel.
The 20-year-old seamer impressed on recent tour of South Africa
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-20242:19
Jon Lewis: MacDonald-Gay has ‘real steel in her character’
Ryana MacDonald-Gay has earned her place in England’s Women’s Ashes Test squad after making a successful debut in South Africa this month.MacDonald-Gay, the 20-year-old seam bowler, has played two ODIs and one T20I after making her international debut on England’s tour of Ireland in September.She impressed both captain Heather Knight and South Africa’s star allrounder Marizanne Kapp in taking 2 for 50 during South Africa’s first innings, though she was only required to bowl one over as the hosts were bowled out for 64 in a 286-run victory for England.ESPNcricinfo LtdShe joins allrounder Freya Kemp and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who are both part of England’s T20 squad only, in earning maiden Ashes selections, along with wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath, who returns from a fractured thumb which ruled her out of the South Africa tour and has been named as part of the T20 and Test squads. Fellow seam bowler Mahika Gaur will travel with the group as she continues her return to bowling from injury.Though Lauren Bell took the match award against South Africa for her four wickets in each innings, MacDonald-Gay arguably made the critical breakthroughs in the first innings, as she struck twice with the old ball – first, to break Kapp’s 99-run stand with Sune Luus, and then to dismiss the dangerous Nadine de Klerk for a duck.MacDonald-Gay had not previously played any professional red-ball cricket prior to her elevation to the Test team, as a replacement for the injured Kate Cross. Jon Lewis, England Women’s head coach, admitted that her selection had been made on an assessment of her character, rather than any genuine insight into her abilities at Test level.Related
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“It’s incredibly hard,” he said. “You’ve got to go with your cricket knowledge and your understanding of the person. Ryana’s got real steel in her character. She seems really unflappable at times and she’s really logical in how she thinks about a cricket match. She is able to see a task and go and do it.”I’ve been involved in professional cricket for over 30 years now, so you’re backing your understanding of what you think cricketers can do. You’re putting your finger in the air a little bit, I’m not going to lie, like we did Lauren Filer in the Ashes Test last year. But what I would say is that Ryana, in time, will have the tools to play all formats and be a really good competitor for England.”Maia Bouchier, who scored a century on Test debut in South Africa, was named in all three squads for the Ashes.The hundred was Bouchier’s second in professional cricket, both of which have come for England. Despite making a duck in the second innings at Bloemfontein, Lewis said the confidence boost she’ll have taken from that experience will stand her in good stead across formats in Australia.”It’s really important for Maia,” Lewis said. “She’s had some really big match-winning scores for us across this last period, so it’s great for her confidence. It was fascinating to watch how she prepared for a Test match, having never played a multi-day game before, and a really special day for her and her family when she got a hundred in the first innings there.”She came down to earth with a bump in the second innings but, again, that’s brilliant learning for her, to understand the ebbs and flows of Test cricket and the different roles that you have to play throughout the game. She’s a really talented cricketer and I’m really hopeful that she can go to Australia and score some match-winning runs.”Ryana MacDonald-Gay took two wickets on her Test debut•ECB via Getty ImagesEngland travel to Sydney on January 2 and will play a warm-up match against a Governor General’s XI on January 9 ahead of the multi-format Ashes series, consisting of three ODIs and three T20s, worth two points each, and a four-day Test, worth four points.Lewis added: “We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience. Ashes series are always special. We want to go there, play our way, and are all excited about the challenges ahead.”Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart will host the ODIs from January 12 before the T20Is in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. The day-night Test at the MCG will close the multi-format series for the first time since it was introduced in 2015.During the last Ashes, in England in 2023, Australia won the Test match, which opened the series at Trent Bridge, before England triumphed in both white-ball formats resulting in an eight-all draw overall.England Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women T20I squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women Test squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge2025 Women’s Ashes schedule (UK dates and times) CommBank Women’s Ashes ODI Series 11 January: North Sydney Oval, Sydney (11.30pm)13 January: Junction Oval, Melbourne (11.05pm)16 January: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (11.05pm)CommBank Women’s Ashes IT20 Series 20 January: SCG, Sydney (8.40am)23 January: Manuka Oval, Canberra (8.40am)25 January: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (8.10am)CommBank Women’s Ashes Test Match 30 January-2 February: MCG, Melbourne (3.30am)
Having agreed a deal to sign Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente, Sunderland are now reportedly preparing a fresh offer to sign another Serie A star for Regis Le Bris this summer.
Sunderland closing in on Lauriente
To say that Sunderland have made a survival statement this summer would be an understatement. The Black Cats have welcomed as many as six fresh faces and there seems to be more on the way.
According to Fabrizio Romano, next on their list is Lauriente. Those at the Stadium of Light have reportedly agreed a deal worth as much as €20m (£17m) to sign the French winger, who looks set to join the likes of Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra on Sunderland’s list of incomings.
It’s been quite the overhaul for Le Bris’ side as they prepare to become the first side in six promoted teams to survive in their first season back in the top tier.
Lauriente should play an important part in achieving that too. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out as Sassuolo earned promotion from Serie B. And whilst stepping up to the Premier League will be no easy task, last season’s 19 goals and six assists in all competitions suggest that he’s more than ready for the move.
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It is a big development at the Stadium of Light.
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Despite already spending as much as €115m (£100m) with €20m (£17m) to come on Lauriente, Sunderland’s spending looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now indicating that the Black Cats are already preparing a fresh offer to sign a third Serie A star ahead of next season.
Sunderland now preparing fresh Lucumi offer
As reported by Corriere di Bologna and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now preparing a fresh €20m (£17m) offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. The newly-promoted side have already seen one offer turned down, but are seemingly set to edge closer to Bologna’s €25m (£22m) valuation in hope of advancing their move.
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31
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Last season’s numbers indicate that Lucumi would push the versatile Luke O’Nien all the way for a starting place in Le Bris’ side, with his experience in Italy’s top flight likely to eventually pay dividends.
Described as “composed” and “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lucumi would join a growing list of excellent arrivals at the Stadium of Light if he swapped Bologna for Sunderland in the coming weeks. The club may also have a smooth path to negotiations on the personal side of things, given they already have dealings with the player’s agency through their representation of Dennis Cirkin.
Jhon Lucumi for Bologna.
With the Premier League campaign set to get underway in around one month’s time, Sunderland have until then to ensure that Le Bris’ side is perfectly suited to end the trend of promoted sides suffering instant failure. And Lucumi should be among their final priorities as a result.
Manchester United are now keen on signing a “talented” PSG defender who is free to leave the French capital in search of more playing time, according to a new report.
INEOS identify new transfer targets for Man Utd
There are still over 40 days remaining in this transfer window, and given what was reported of what United would like to do this summer, it could be a busy few weeks for the Red Devils as they look to wrap up a deal for Bryan Mbeumo and many more.
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Man Utd have finally begun official talks.
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The Premier League giants have now made contact with Aston Villa over the signing of Emiliano Martinez, who appears to be a top target when it comes to replacing Andre Onana, but he is not the only deal the club are working on.
Ben Jacobs reported on Tuesday evening that United hold a genuine interest in Pervis Estupiñán and have held talks with the representatives of the defender.
Meanwhile, a new report has revealed that the Red Devils have registered their interest in signing Andre from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian impressed for the Midlands side last season, and now he is wanted by United as well as Liverpool, who could sign him for just £30 million.
Man Utd keen on signing "talented" £25m+ defender
Estupiñán may not be the only defender to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, as according to a report from Spain, Man United are now interested in signing Lucas Beraldo from PSG.
Paris St Germain's Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes, Gianluigi Donnarumma and BradleyBarcola
It was previously reported that the defender has handed in a transfer request, as he wants to play regular football, and given the French champions want players who are 100% committed to the club, they have agreed to part ways.
PSG are ready to replace the young defender and United are very keen, as they believe he still has time to develop in a new environment. The 21-year-old joined the Champions League winners back in January 2024 and has gone on to play 62 times for the club in all competitions.
It had previously been reported that PSG would look to get at least €30 million (£25 million) for Beraldo, who has been dubbed “talented” by scout Jacek Kulig.
Beraldo played 25 times in Ligue 1 last season, 22 of which came as a starter, but the defender only appeared in four Champions League games, as the club went on to claim victory. Beraldo did have more of an impact in the Club World Cup this summer, as he played five times and made three starts, but it now appears he could have played his last game for the club.
His potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him come up against Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martínez in a bid to be a regular starter in Ruben Amorim’s back three.
Lancashire bowled out for 204 with no one making fifty, Surrey reply at 83 without loss
ECB Reporters Network22-Aug-2024Rocky Flintoff made a creditable 32 on debut, as Lancashire’s youngest first-class cricketer at the age of 16 years and 137 days, but it was champions Surrey who ruthlessly took first-day honours at the Kia Oval.Put in, Lancashire were bowled out for 204 inside 59 overs, with no one making it to 50, and Surrey then replied with 83 for no wicket before bad light ended play 15.4 overs early. Skipper Rory Burns was 44 not out, including straight driving George Balderson’s medium pace for successive fours, and Dom Sibley unbeaten on 37.Jordan Clark (4 for 57) and Dan Worrall (3 for 31) continued their fine red-ball seasons by spearheading a five-pronged seam attack in which Conor McKerr also took two wickets and Sam Curran one in what was, for both, their first Vitality County Championship appearance of the summer.Matty Hurst, with 46 from 64 balls, played Lancashire’s best and most assertive innings, while Balderson’s 33 and Josh Bohannon’s 26 were other worthy efforts in seam-friendly overhead and pitch conditions.But most eyes were on Flintoff, who made 167 runs in seven Metro Bank One-Day Cup innings after becoming his county’s youngest player in any format last month, and who came in at 33 for 2 in the 11th over after both Luke Wells and Keaton Jennings had fallen to the new ball.Wells went in the fourth over for 9, dragging an attempted off drive into his stumps against Clark, while Jennings looked aggrieved to be given out leg-before for 12, pushing forward to an inswinger from Worrall.Off the mark first ball, clipping Worrall confidently for two off his pads, young Flintoff was soon living up to his reputation as one of the best players of his age to emerge in recent decades – on a day when most 16-year-olds around the country were more concerned about getting their GCSE results.Uncannily like his father Andrew in build and mannerisms – the former England captain and television celebrity was watching proudly from a hospitality box – the young Flintoff saw off Worrall’s fine opening spell of 7-3-9-1 and helped Bohannon to add 40 for Lancashire’s third wicket in tough, overcast conditions.He did have some moments of good fortune, being dropped at third slip on 13 when he edged Tom Lawes and later also flailing a returning Worrall just over the cordon for four as lunch approached, but otherwise he looked comfortable at the crease and mature beyond his years as Lancashire reached lunch on 98 for 3.Bohannon had gone by then, chopping on to McKerr for 26, and unfortunately for Flintoff he sliced a drive at the first ball after lunch, and his 64th – from Clark – and saw Sai Sudharsan dive forward at backward point to scoop up a brilliant catch.Jordan Clark celebrates a wicket•Getty Images for Surrey CCCHurst played some superb shots but was dropped by Clark from a skier on 45 before McKerr dived to his right to hold a magnificent low catch at leg slip in Curran’s next over and from 155 for 4 the Lancashire first innings fizzled out as Worrall, McKerr and Clark combined to overpower the tail.Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, on his Championship debut, played one memorable cover drive before optimistically jumping down the pitch to swing at Worrall and edge behind while Balderson, playing defensively, nicked the same bowler to first slip.McKerr’s pace and lift did for Tom Hartley, caught at the wicket for 5, and only some defiance from Tom Aspinwall – who hooked McKerr for six and extra cover drove him for four in a bright 23 not out – took Lancashire past 200 before they lost both Josh Boyden, who lifted a simple catch to mid off on 5, and Will Williams, caught behind, from successive deliveries from Clark.
Manchester City are headed to the Club World Cup and expect to bring in a proven Premier League operator to strengthen their ranks before the tournament commences, according to David Ornstein.
Manchester City close to landing double midfield deal
With Kevin De Bruyne moving on to a new challenge elsewhere, Manchester City have wasted no time in finding a replacement for the Belgian icon and look set to wrap up a double deal in midfield before they jet out to the United States.
Pep Guardiola is closing in on AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon star Rayan Cherki. The latter is set to arrive for a fee of £34 million after Florian Wirtz opted to move from Bayer Leverkusen to reigning champions Liverpool.
Olympique Lyonnais' RayanCherkiin action with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's Kevin Akpoguma
In the case of Reijnders, the final details of a transfer worth £50 million involving the Netherlands international are being ironed out before he officially links up with his new teammates at the Etihad Stadium.
Legendary defensive midfielder Rodri is also back after injury, creating a new-look engine room to take the Premier League by storm next term as the Citizens aim to reclaim the title.
Cementing what he wants his midfield to look like after a period of instability, Guardiola is also set to offer Rodri a new Manchester City contract to stave off interest from heavyweights Real Madrid – that could be worth £300,000 per week.
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Dominic Lund
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Pressing on in their hunt for reinforcements, City are now closing in on another addition elsewhere on the pitch to equip themselves ahead of their Club World Cup endeavours.
Man City expect to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers
Taking to social media platform X, reputable journalist Ornstein has reported all parties involved – from both clubs to the player’s camp – ‘expect’ a deal to be done that would see Rayan Ait-Nouri arrive at the Etihad Stadium from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
There is still work to be done before a final agreement can be reached, but they appear to be in pole position to land their main left-back target relatively quickly.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' RayanAit-Nouriin action
Labelled “incredible” by Gary O’Neil, Ait-Nouri has registered five goals and seven assists in 41 appearances across all competition for Wolves this campaign.
Creating 24 chances on Premier League duty this term, the Algeria international provided a regular threat in forward areas for the Old Gold as they managed to secure their top-flight status.
Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have both shouldered the left-back burden at Manchester City, though bringing in a natural in that position could gift Guardiola the added bonus of being able to move one of them to a central role once all paperwork is completed.
Deemed to be worth around £51 million on the market, signing Ait-Nouri appears to be a shrewd addition by the Citizens ahead of the new campaign.
Turning their attention away from title celebrations and towards the summer transfer market, Liverpool are now reportedly preparing a medical for one target who they believe will sign for the club within a matter of days.
Salah reacts to Alexander-Arnold boos
Whilst the focus throughout this week has been on further celebrations within a Liverpool squad who have seemingly not stopped partying since confirming their Premier League title victory, it was only a week ago that Trent Alexander-Arnold was at the centre of headlines for all the wrong reasons.
After coming off the bench for the first time since confirming his Liverpool exit, the scouse-born right-back was met by a chorus of boos with every touch of the ball in a moment that has since caused plenty of debate.
Everyone has seemingly had their say on the controversial moment, including Mohamed Salah, who chose to defend his teammate in a recent interview with Gary Neville.
The Liverpool forward said: “I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him. I think he didn’t deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.”
“We shouldn’t act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people, who came here even for six months. Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It’s shouldn’t be like this. I hope that will change next game, against Brighton or in the last game of the season, because he deserves the farewell.”
He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"
Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 17, 2025
Away from the headlines, though, Liverpool still have a right-back to replace and whilst the debate has continued, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have reportedly seemingly made a move to do exactly that.
Liverpool preparing medical for Frimpong
With Alexander-Arnold on his way out, those at Anfield have instantly shifted their focus towards a fresh option down their right-hand side. According to GiveMeSport, Liverpool are now preparing a medical for Jeremie Frimpong and believe that they’ll have their deal wrapped up to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star in a matter of days.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with Bayer Leverkusen'sJeremieFrimpong
The Reds have moved rapidly since the Alexander-Arnold news and are reportedly set to trigger Frimpong’s bargain €35m (£29m) release clause to get their deal over the line. Whilst the Dutchman is a different type of player to Liverpool’s academy graduate, he would arguably offer a larger output down Arne Slot’s right-hand side based on this season’s impressive numbers.
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3
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6
Ball Recoveries
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Frimpong is certainly a player who’s rated highly at Leverkusen too, with Real Madrid-bound manager Xabi Alonso telling reporters last season: “Since I got here for the first time, since the first day, Jeremie has been a key player for us and for myself.
“He’s a great guy. His personality… he brings a lot of joy to the locker room. So you need to keep him having this joy. But as well as become more mature.”
Clocked as the fastest player in the Champions League this season by PFF, the Netherlands star will certainly strike fear into opponents when overlapping Salah down the right flank.
Manchester City have been blessed with some incredible midfield gems over the years with the end of Kevin De Bruyne’s unbelievable journey with the Premier League giants now in sight.
With 108 goals and 177 assists next to his name, the Belgian will surely bow out as one of City’s modern day greats, with other stars that used to strut their stuff from the middle of the park in a similar dazzling way including David Silva and Yaya Toure among many others.
Now, it’s up to Pep Guardiola to find his next pool of exceptional midfield gems in the upcoming transfer window, with one target perhaps going down as a new take on Toure if everything aligns nicely.
Man City's pursuit of a new Toure
Before delving deeper into how City’s new target could go on to achieve greatness like the Ivorian, there are an extensive list of midfield names on Guardiola’s shopping list growing by the week.
Indeed, both German superstar Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest talent Morgan Gibbs-White have been incessantly linked with a big-money move to the Etihad, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao also reportedly on City’s radar alongside arch rivals Manchester United.
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But, their focus might now have switched to sealing the signature of West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, with reports from Spain suggesting that Guardiola and Co have set their sights on landing the enigmatic Brazilian this summer.
The Irons midfielder has been on the club’s radar for a while now, notably seeing a £60m bid rejected back in 2023, before they registered further interest in 2024.
Paqueta has been embroiled in a whole host of controversies at the London Stadium, but when assessing his midfield capabilities in isolation, he has the potential to become the Spaniard’s next Toure, with the South American a skilful, but tough presence centrally much like the ex-City number 42.
How Paqueta could be Guardiola's next Toure
It will be extremely hard for the Hammers number 10 to ever become as beloved as the now-retired midfielder, considering Toure would end his esteemed stay at the club with three league titles next to his name after picking up 125 goal contributions in total.
But, Paqueta – now valued at £30m via Transfermarkt – could slot into Guardiola’s main XI as a similarly lively presence anyway.
Indeed, the 27-year-old has garnered a reputation for being an entertaining figure in the heart of the West Ham midfield ever since his move to the London Stadium in 2022.
After all, even with a betting scandal weighing heavily, Paqueta has still managed to chip in with five goals this season in all competitions for Graham Potter’s lowly Hammers, which included a nicely-worked move being finished off by the 55-time Brazil international during Potter’s debut match from the dug-out.
Toure’s goal tally was always grander than just five for Guardiola’s men – with his lowest for a season coming in at the heftier seven – but Paqueta’s 18 goals and 14 assists overall for his current employers definitely makes him stick out as a tenacious yet attacking presence in the centre of the park akin to the former City icon.
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Much like the ex-Barcelona man before him too, Paqueta can either be unleashed as an attacking “maverick” – as he was once labelled by David Moyes – or slot into the side as a more defensively-minded midfielder, with his high tally of 6.3 duels won per game this season in the league sticking out in this regard.
City will just have to hope any scandals next to the Brazilian’s name begin to dissipate on his arrival to Manchester, with the serial trophy winners finding themselves burnt here in the past when Toure exited the club in 2018 after being reportedly shunned on his birthday.
Whilst it’s obvious the 27-year-old is a similarly flamboyant character, everyone at City will just pray the “incredible” talent – as he was also lauded by Moyes – lets his football do the talking like Toure also successfully managed.
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Manchester City could still win their answer to Florian Wirtz by signing this superstar instead.
Football’s back for those of a Liverpool persuasion, and it’s a big one at that.
Having sat out last weekend due to an early exit from the FA Cup, Arne Slot’s Liverpool return to action in the Premier League as they host resurgent Everton.
The international break is typically a gruelling thing, stunting progress and halting anticipation as teams fight for their respective goals. Liverpool, however, may have found the sojourn to have been a blessing, falling in the Champions League before losing the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Ah well, there’s always next season – for those honours, anyway. Liverpool are still hunting down the Premier League title, 12 points clear of second-place Arsenal with nine matches to play.
Everton have been reborn under David Moyes’ wing, the Scotsman replacing Sean Dyche in January and crafting a nine-match unbeaten run after losing his league opener to Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
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Everton’s patch of Merseyside was left giddy, exalted, after James Tarkowski hit parity in the dying embers last month, but Slot will hope for a different outcome here as his side look to end their dip in form across recent matches.
Liverpool team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks set to join Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer, is still sidelined after injuring his ankle against Paris Saint-Germain.
Compounding the issue, Conor Bradley is not quite ready to return to the starting line-up after his period of convalescence; with Joe Gomez also out, Slot is likely to pick Jarell Quansah to deputise at right-back once again.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alisson Becker, however, are both expected to be fit following respective scares for their nations over the past two weeks.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
This is all well and good, but Liverpool’s recent issues derive from a dried-up pool of attacking fluency. Indeed, Liverpool have been a day late and a dollar short of late, and fans online have been murmuring about freshening things up with a tactical tweak to the frontline.
However, Federico Chiesa may not be the answer for this one, not in Slot’s mind.
Slot must unleash Liverpool's "special" forward
Liverpool struggled to get going at Wembley, but it was substitute Chiesa who latched onto Harvey Elliott’s tidy through ball in stoppage time to spark fleeting hopes of a comeback.
But Liverpool failed to stage the desired response; time had been exhausted. Chiesa, however, did show off a glimpse of the quality that prompted the Anfield side to pay Juventus for him back in August, a quality that is illuminated given the ongoing profligacy of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.
Federico Chiesa scores for Liverpool
The international break will hopefully have served as a reset button for the wasteful bunch, but it more importantly means a fully-fit Cody Gakpo is ready to return from Netherlands duty brim-full, having only just returned from injury before the break and indeed last starting a Premier League fixture in mid-February.
It’s been a big blow for the Merseysiders, for Gakpo has been in fine fettle this season, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists across all competitions. The 25-year-old is currently level with last term’s haul, but he’s matched it in over 800 fewer minutes across all fronts.
Gakpo has to start against Everton, his clinical shooting giving rise to the success of his frontal peers. Diaz’s makeshift dynamism in a central striking role, for example, is heightened by the Dutchman’s presence, easing the goalscoring burden on Salah.
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Cody Gakpo
12
3.
Luis Diaz
7
4.
Diogo Jota
4
5.
Darwin Nunez
3
5=
Dominik Szoboszlai
3
5=
Alexis Mac Allister
3
The table above makes for somewhat grim reading, with Liverpool’s lopsided frontline clear through the shooting success clinched on home turf.
However, it does highlight Gakpo’s confidence on home soil, scoring three-quarters of his strikes this year at Anfield. Indeed, the Netherlands star has actually bagged in each of his past eight starts at Liverpool’s home ground.
His quality has been streamlined by Slot’s decision to field him in a more structured role off the left flank, as opposed to Jurgen Klopp’s choice of deploying across myriad points of the pitch.
This, of course, has meant Diaz’s qualities have been required in a more central position, but since Gakpo is now fit and ready to fire once more, would it really be wise to unleash Chiesa from the outset in an important derby fixture?
The stakes are high. With Arsenal narrowing the gap after beating Fulham, Liverpool cannot afford to fumble at this stage. The need for Chiesa’s finishing is effectively neutered by Gakpo’s return as he restores the balance and balance of potency up top.
The £120k-per-week Gakpo, after all, ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this term for goals scored per 90 (0.51), as per FBref. It’s no wonder he’s been praised by Fabrizio Romano for “flying for Liverpool this season.”
Conversely, Chiesa has struggled to buy a game. Though he’s posted two goals and two assists apiece across 11 matches in all competitions – just three starts – Slot has thus far been unwilling to hand him any starting roles in the Premier League, and that’s not going to change in an important league fixture against heated rivals Everton, who are in hot form at that.
While we’d all like to see Liverpool’s nifty Italian earn some more action, it doesn’t feel probable that he will play from the opening bell in this one.
That said, if Gakpo can work toward establishing a healthy lead for Slot’s team, Chiesa could surely enter the fray in the second half – and with a point to prove.
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Liverpool are ready to sign a new left-back this summer.
Nottingham Forest have exceeded the expectations set by everyone ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Champions League football firmly on the cards.
Nuno Espírito Santo has masterminded the Reds to third place in England’s top flight, boasting a five-point gap to sixth place with just seven league outings remaining.
The thought of welcoming Europe’s elite to the City Ground was a distant dream for supporters after two near-misses with relegation after promotion, but such hopes could come to fruition in the coming months.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo is seen before the match
However, if they are to be competitive in Europe and the Premier League next season, additions are desperately needed, handing Nuno the squad depth to rotate when needed.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for 2025/26, with one name remerging on their shortlist after previous interest in his signature last summer.
Nottingham Forest plot move for £40m talisman this summer
According to TBR, Forest are plotting a summer move for Evanilson after his impressive debut campaign in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
The Brazilian, who joined the Cherries for £40m last summer, has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, sitting as their second top scorer behind Justin Kluivert.
It’s not the first time the Reds have targeted the 25-year-old, after being firmly in the race for his signature just under 12 months ago before his subsequent move to the Vitality.
The report claims that Newcastle and Aston Villa are also in the race for Evanilson’s signature, with Nuno looking for reinforcements whilst also trying to move Taiwo Awoniyi on this window.
It’s unclear whether Andoni Iraola’s side would be open to parting ways with their star striker, but he could provide an alternative to one other forward currently on Marinakis’ radar.
Why Evanilson would be the perfect Gyokeres alternative
As a result of their impressive form, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged on Forest’s radar, with the Portuguese side demanding £60m to part with their star man.
The Swedish international has been in incredible goalscoring form since his move from Coventry City back in the summer of 2023, registering 87 goals in his 94 appearances.
However, despite their interest, the Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United also in the race for the forward.
Given the nature of the clubs also keen on the talisman, the Forest hierarchy could turn their attention to Evanilson in the coming months, with the Cherries attacker a more than capable alternative.
When comparing his figures with Gyokeres from the ongoing campaign, he’s managed to match or better the Swede in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.
Games played
25
27
Goals & assists
9
37
Shot-on-target accuracy
49%
40%
Shots on target per 90
1.5
1.3
Take-on success
32%
27%
Fouls won
2.1
1.6
Aerials won
38%
30%
The “world-class” Cherries ace, as dubbed by content creator Kirk Tovey, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists than Gyokeres, but has managed more shots on target per 90 at a higher accuracy rate – showcasing his accuracy in the final third.
He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s contested, offering a more all-round centre-forward option than the Sporting star.
Whilst the Swedish international undoubtedly remains as many of the supporter’s first-choice attacking signing this summer, a deal for Evanilson would be just as impressive as seen by the numbers procured this year.
Investment will be needed in various areas of the first-team squad throughout the upcoming window, with funds needed elsewhere, potentially leading the Reds to pursue a move for the Brazilian sensation.
£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star