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Liverpool’s attack has played a huge role in their Premier League success this campaign, allowing Arne Slot to claim the title during his first season at the helm.

Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly been the major contributing factor to the levels they’ve hit, notching 46 combined goals and assists in his 35 appearances to date.

Such a record has led to the Reds scoring 81 times in England’s top-flight, the most of any side in the division, certainly handing the manager something to build on in 2025/26.

However, despite the success, Slot has wasted no time in making reinforcements in the final third during the summer window, with incomings and outgoings expected.

With just a couple of weeks until the market opens, multiple players have already been touted with a switch to Anfield, strengthening the options at the Dutchman’s disposal.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been high on Liverpool’s wish list over recent months, with various names touted to potentially take the number nine spot after the summer window.

Liam Delap is the latest name thrown into the mix in recent days, potentially being a bargain option given his £30m relegation release clause within his current deal at Ipswich Town.

However, he’s not the only attacker linked with a switch to Merseyside over the coming months, with the Reds already making a move to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to TBR Football.

The report states that the club have already been in contact with the 24-year-old’s representatives over a switch to join the club, with the Brazilian open to a move to England.

It also claims that he’s unhappy with his lack of game time at the Bernabeu, with talks once again being held for his signature after trying to land the forward last summer.

The Liverpool target who could be their own Alvarez

Alongside Rodrygo, Liverpool have also been largely touted with a move to sign Atlético Madrid talisman Julian Alvarez during the off-season, subsequently improving the options at Slot’s disposal.

A deal for the Argentine could be tricky given the fact he only moved to the LaLiga side last summer from Manchester City in a deal worth in the region of £80m.

However, current Reds star Darwin Núñez has been rumoured to be a bargaining tool in such a transfer, potentially lowering the fee for any deal to see the 25-year-old return to the Premier League.

Such a deal may prove to be too expensive, with a switch for Rodrygo potentially allowing the club to land their own version of Alvarez – that’s if stats from 2024/25 are to be believed.

The pair are ranked as similar players by FBref, with the Real Madrid sensation outperforming the Atlético talent in various key areas, showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by boss Carlo Ancelotti, has managed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90 – showcasing the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more take-ons and more passes completed per 90 – handing the likes of Salah the opportunity to further increase their own impressive tallies.

How Rodrygo compares to Alvarez in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Rodrygo

Alvarez

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

11

17

Progressive carries

5.3

2.7

Progressive passes

5.1

3.1

Pass accuracy

86%

74%

Passes into final third

3.1

1.5

Take-ons completed

2.3

1.1

Carries into final third

4.1

1.8

Aerials won

30%

29%

Stats via FBref

Rodrygo has also won more of the aerial duels he’s entered, handing Slot another all-round presence within the final third of making it back-to-back titles at Anfield.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Rodrygo would set the hierarchy back this summer, but his talents are evident for all to see, given the stats he’s produced during the current campaign.

Alvarez would undoubtedly be an excellent option for the club, but if they are unable to land the Argentine, it’s evident that other super options are available within the market during the off-season.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 9, 2025

Leeds United have given themselves a chance to hit a century of points in the Championship for the first time in club history on the final day against Plymouth Argyle.

Daniel Farke’s side put on a show against Bristol City at Elland Road on Monday night, winning 4-0 under the lights, and are on 97 points heading into the last game of the season.

The West Yorkshire outfit have already secured their place in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign, having gained automatic promotion alongside Burnley last week.

There is still the small matter of the league title to battle the Clarets for, however, before attention can fully turn to the upcoming summer transfer window.

After the win over Bristol City, Farke revealed that there will be “tough” and “difficult” decisions to be made on players in the squad, as Leeds look to build a team that is capable of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

One player who has sparked debate among supporters is Dutch centre-forward Joel Piroe, who is unproven in the top tier of English football.

Why Leeds may have to replace Joel Piroe

The former Swansea City number nine added a seventh assist to his season tally of goal contributions in the 4-0 win over Bristol City on Monday night, with a sumptuous cross-field pass to Wilfried Gnonto.

Piroe is also the top scorer in the Championship, with 19 goals in 45 appearances, and has outperformed his xG of 16.54 – helped by his recent four-goal haul against Stoke City.

Despite all of his contributions in the final third, Norwich City striker Josh Sargent was selected ahead of the Leeds attacker in the official EFL Team of the Season, voted for by the players.

Whilst Piroe has delivered goals and assists for the Whites, the Dutch striker’s all-round game leaves a bit to be desired, and former Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szomodics is a good example of how difficult the transition from the Championship to the Premier League is if you lack the physical attributes to make the step up.

Championship

Sammie Szmodics (23/24)

Joel Piroe (24/25)

Appearances

44

45

Goals

27

19

Assists

4

7

Duels won per game

2.5

1.6

Ground duel success rate

43%

33%

Aerial duel success rate

30%

20%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Szmodics rarely won duels and was dominated on the deck and in the air by opposition defenders in the second tier, but was still able to notch 31 goal contributions.

In the Premier League, however, the Ireland international has continued to lose the majority of his duels (64%) and has only racked up four goals and zero assists in 19 matches for Ipswich Town.

He has not been able to impose himself on games without the physical attributes, whether that be speed or simply strength in duels, and Piroe, as shown by his statistics in comparison to Szmodics’ in the Championship, could suffer similar problems.

With this in mind, Leeds must consider making a move to land an upgrade on the Dutchman in the summer transfer window, which they could do by swooping for one of their reported targets.

Leeds United's interest in £40m Premier League striker

Back in February, OnTheMinute reported that Leeds United are one of several clubs interested in a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.

The report claimed that the Whites are keeping tabs on the Denmark international because Farke believes that he is a player with big potential at Premier League level, and that the manager believes that the star would be interested in a move to Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

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OnTheMinute added that West Ham United and Juventus have also been linked with a move for the striker, which suggests that Leeds could face significant competition for his services this summer.

The outlet revealed that, despite Hojlund joining the Red Devils for a fee of £72m from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, he could be available for a fee of £40m, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are prepared to spend that much money on him to bolser their squad.

Why Leeds should sign Rasmus Hojlund

The 49ers should push the boat out to land the Denmark international for £40m ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League because he could come in as an immediate upgrade on Piroe for Farke.

Hojlund, despite enduring a difficult season this year, has previously showcased his quality in the Premier League and the Serie A for Manchester United and Atalanta, and boasts the physical attributes to compete at the top level.

Content creator Alice Talks Football described the forward as a “physical monster” who has the “speed” and “athletic qualities” required at Old Trafford, whilst there remain question marks over whether or not Piroe has the athletic qualities required for the top-flight.

Hojlund, playing in a struggling Manchester United side, has scored four goals from 3.84 xG in 20 starts in the Premier League this season, but displayed more quality in the final third in the previous two campaigns.

Rasmus Hojlund

22/23 Serie A

23/24 Premier League

Appearances

32

30

xG

9.47

7.64

Goals

9

10

Assists

2

2

Duels won per game

3.0

2.8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old attacker scored 19 goals in the Serie A and the Premier League combined, overperforming his xG overall, in those two seasons, whilst winning more duels per game than Piroe has managed in the Championship this term.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for the young marksman, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed has “electric pace”, to be a big goal threat for Leeds, as well as a ‘physical monster’ with his strength, athletism, and speed.

Hojlund could provide Farke’s team with a useful athletic presence at the top end of the pitch, and one that Piroe may not be able to provide based on his lack of mobiltiy at Championship level.

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 27, 2025

Therefore, despite his goal return this season, Leeds could land an instant upgrade on the Dutchman by splashing £40m on this Premier League centre-forward.

Ipswich Town blissfully shrugged off the grim fact that a Premier League relegation looks a nailed-on possibility before their trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Amazingly, the travelling Tractor Boys raced into a two-goal lead in the first half to stun the Stamford Bridge masses, but a share of the points was the final outcome for a relieved Enzo Maresca.

Kieran McKenna would have taken a lot of positives out of the entertaining 2-2 draw, knowing that some of the personnel who battled well with the Blues will be around next season when promotion is on the agenda.

What Ipswich's rebuild could look like

Away from the likes of Liam Delap and Leif Davis potentially leaving, McKenna will be hopeful that his tight-knit group stays together for the challenge of instantly returning to the Premier League.

He will certainly be calling upon goalkeeper Alex Palmer as his no.1 in the Championship, with the January signing already well accustomed to the second tier with ex-side West Bromwich Albion, on top of tallying up eight crucial saves in West London.

Moreover, faces such as defender Dara O’Shea should continue to start week in week out under McKenna, with the Irishman tallying up a whopping 11 clearances whenever Chelsea bombed forward.

But, with Delap potentially on his way out, how might the attack look?

Well, both George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead could benefit from more game-time by dropping down a division, with the lively pair in and out of the Ipswich starting lineup this season despite amassing 30 goal contributions between them when automatic promotion glory became reality.

Both players did start the contest at Chelsea and shone, but there’s one new standout talent in the Tractor Boys ranks who’s worth even more than the aforementioned duo and he caused the Blues a lot more bother on Sunday.

The "terrific" talent worth more than Hirst & Broadhead

One problem area for Ipswich next season could be down the right wing, with Omari Hutchinson another first-team figure who might fancy a Premier League stay at a different outfit rather than sticking it out at Portman Road.

With the likes of Wes Burns also injury-prone on the right flank, McKenna might well be calling upon ex-West Ham United man Ben Johnson as a first-team regular in this spot more often in the second tier, having been blown away by his quality up against Maresca’s hosts.

Johnson got up and running for Ipswich in terms of goals when powering home a header past Robert Sanchez, with the versatile 25-year-old also picking up his third assist of the Premier League season when helping Julio Enciso to fire home the opener.

These four goal contributions have come about despite Johnson only making 12 starts for the Tractor Boys in league action, but his impactful cameos here and there have made him a definite worthwhile signing, with the Ipswich number 18 entering the building last summer on a shrewd free transfer.

Johnson’s numbers for Ipswich (24/25)

Stat

Johnson

Games played

19

Games started

12

Minutes per game

61 mins

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

Transfer value now

£6.8m

Sourced by Sofascore/ Transfermarkt

Now, off the back of his heroics in Suffolk, the 25-year-old’s transfer value – as per Transfermarkt – stands at a sturdy £7m, which is way above Hirst and Broadhead’s valuations in the process who are both worth a lesser £4m in contrast.

Heralded as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango when initially cutting his teeth at West Ham, Johnson could become even more important to the Ipswich cause when relegation is confirmed, with his ability to play all over the pitch a useful asset to have across a bumper 46-game campaign.

Both Hirst and Broadhead will also have key roles to play in the second tier, with the near future at Portman Road not all doom and gloom if their wounds are sutured quickly after their one-season Premier League adventure.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Apr 13, 2025

It’s no secret that this has been an incredibly turbulent season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s job is currently hanging by a thread, and if his side don’t win the Europa League, then it’ll truly be a year to forget.

Fortunately, the transfer window is just around the corner, and with it, there is a chance to reinforce the squad with genuine quality, but even then, problems could be ahead.

For example, recent reports have claimed that one of the club’s most important stars is on the wishlist of a European giant and could leave in a move reminiscent of Kyle Walker’s all those years ago.

Spurs' potential exits

There isn’t just one first-team player who might be on the way out of Spurs in the summer, as reports from late last month revealed that the midfield could be in for a big revamp.

In particular, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur could be up for sale, with the former catching the eye of fellow Premier League side Everton and the latter simply “not part of Tottenham’s plans moving forward”, according to former scout Mick Brown.

However, while plenty of fans might be okay with their exits, they might be less so if Cristian Romero also leaves.

Transfer Focus

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

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Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Argentine has been a key target for Atlético Madrid ‘for weeks’, and to make matters worse, Diego Simeone has personally contacted the player.

Moreover, the report has claimed that the interest is mutual and that the Spanish giants are ”studying an offer that can convince’ the North Londoners into selling, which, according to another story, could be around the £67m mark.

It would be a sizable sum of money for Tottenham, but losing Romero could be a massive blow, akin to losing Walker in 2017.

Why Romero could be Walker 2.0

Spurs have made several defensive sales in the years since Walker left the club, including Cameron Carter-Vickers, Juan Foyth, and Toby Alderweireld. So, what makes this potential transfer so similar to the Englishman’s?

Well, there are a few reasons, the first being just how much money could be involved.

When the former Lilywhites star was sold to City in 2017, he went for a massive fee of up to £53m, and while that ended up being value for money, it was a world record for a defender at the time.

Granted, if the former Atalanta star does join Atlético in the coming months, it won’t be for another world-record fee, but it will be the most the North Londoners have got for a defensive player and the third-highest fee they’ve received full-stop, behind only Harry Kane and Gareth Bale.

The second similarity is that, like the multiple Premier League champion, the Córdoba-born World Cup winner would be leaving N17 as one of the club’s most important players.

Romero’s Spurs career

Appearances

115

Goals

7

Assists

1

Yellow Cards

29

Second Yellows

3

Red Cards

1

Points per Game

1.69

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, while he’s missed much of this season due to injury and fitness issues, the 6 foot 1 “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Charlie Eccleshare, has made 115 appearances for the club, in which he’s scored seven goals, provided one assist and been named as one of the squad’s co-vice-captains.

So, it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to suggest that losing someone Lionel Messi describes as “the best defender in the world” would be just as, if not more, devastating to the North Londoners than losing Walker was.

Ultimately, if Romero is set on going, then Spurs might just have to make peace with it and get as much money for him as possible. However, if there is a chance he wants to stay, then they should be doing all they can to tie him down to a new deal, as they might find it as hard to replace him as they did Walker.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2025

Whilst Leeds United have only managed to win one of their last five Championship matches, Daniel Farke’s side still remain on course to secure promotion come the end of the season.

The Whites sit second, just two points behind leaders Sheffield United, with striker Joel Piroe deserving a lot of credit for his performances in the first team throughout 2024/25.

The Dutchman has notched 15 goals in the league throughout this campaign, sitting as the club’s top scorer and second-highest in the division – highlighting his impact.

Jayden Bogle has also cemented his place at right-back in Farke’s side, featuring in 37 outings, with the £5m forked out for his signature in the summer now appearing to be a bargain.

However, high hopes were held for numerous players in recent years, with none of them able to feature at Elland Road anymore after failing to reach their full potential.

Leeds talents who failed to live up to their potential

Midfielder Lewis Bate joined Leeds in a £1.5m deal from Chelsea back in the summer of 2021, with high hopes of becoming a first-team regular in Yorkshire.

However, the 22-year-old would only make five appearances at Elland Road over a four-year period, before leaving on a free transfer and joining Stockport County last summer.

Cody Drameh was another player tipped to have a key role for the Whites as a youngster, having the potential to be a crucial player in the club’s backline after arriving from Fulham in 2020.

After just 10 first-team appearances and three separate loan spells, he also departed on a free transfer in the summer, looking to kick-start his professional career at division rivals Hull City.

The aforementioned pair aren’t the only players to fail to deliver in Yorkshire, with one other star sold after being unable to match the ambitions placed on his shoulders.

The former Leeds star who could’ve been their own Van Dijk

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been a leading talent in world football over the past few years, being a leading figure in the Reds’ success under various managers.

Many argue the Dutchman is the best centre-back of all time, winning eight major honours during his time at Anfield, including a Champions League title – helping him finish in the top three of the Ballon d’Or.

Stars like him don’t come around very often, but Leeds could’ve had their own version in the form of Leo Fuhr Hjelde, who was sold to Sunderland back in January 2024.

The 21-year-old originally joined the Whites from Celtic back in 2021, with the potential to emulate the success of Van Dijk given the praise previously heaped on him.

Former Ross County boss John Hughes tipped him to be “the next Van Dijk” before his move to Yorkshire – highlighting how impressive the addition of the defender was at the time.

Leo Hjelde’s stats for Sunderland in the Championship (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

10

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

78%

Chances created

1.2

Tackles won

1.2

Duel success rate

55%

Interceptions made

1.7

Stats via FotMob

However, during his first two years at the club, he was restricted to just six appearances, unable to break into the side given their Premier League status.

An impressive loan stint at Rotherham United saw him return to the fold under Farke in 2023, but would only last six months before being permanently offloaded – joining the Black Cats in a £2m deal.

Whilst he’s only made 12 appearances this campaign, at the age of just 21 he still has bags of time to fulfil the hype that was placed on him as a teenager.

However, any success he will achieve won’t be for the Whites, with the club potentially living to regret their decision to sell him should he get anywhere near Van Dijk’s level.

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Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Apr 3, 2025

Leeds United’s winless run in the Premier League continued at the hands of Manchester City yesterday, with Daniel Farke’s side suffering a 3-2 defeat at the Etihad.

At one stage, it appeared as though the Whites would endure another battering, as they did at Arsenal, but it was anything but that against Pep Guardiola’s men.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha both hit the back of the net in the second half, subsequently restoring parity after trailing by two goals going into the break.

However, Phil Foden’s strike in stoppage time took some of the gloss off the impressive second-half showing, which should have earned Farke’s men a crucial point.

Despite the fightback, numerous players chosen by the manager at the Etihad struggled to produce the goods, which could lead to yet more changes in their next clash.

Leeds’ poor performers against Man City

Wilfried Gnonto is a player who the Leeds fans have been crying out to start in recent weeks, having only featured in five outings before the trip to face Man City yesterday.

However, the Italian was handed his chance to shine, but struggled to take full advantage of the opportunity handed his way, as seen by his tally of zero crosses and dribbles completed.

He was even fortunate not to be sent off, with his high challenge on Tijjani Reijnders somehow going unpunished – before being replaced at the break by Farke.

Gnonto wasn’t the only player who struggled against Guardiola’s men, with centre-back Pascal Struijk coming under fire for numerous errors throughout the contest.

The Dutchman was only able to win 50% of the aerial battles he entered at the Etihad, often being dominated in the air and resulting in added chances for the hosts.

He also nearly produced a costly mistake after slipping on the greasy turf, but luckily for the player and the team, his error only led to a corner rather than a goal.

The Leeds star who needs to be dropped after Man City

Going away to the Etihad and trying to get a result is no mean feat, with the former champions boasting one of the best home records in the division over recent seasons.

It’s a feat achieved by the Whites in years gone by, but unfortunately for Farke, he was unable to match the achievements previously achieved by Marcelo Bielsa.

As previously mentioned, there are certainly positives for the manager to pick out from the contest – as seen by their response to get themselves off the canvas in the second half.

However, multiple players’ showings will be a cause for concern for the German, which could certainly result in shape and personal changes ahead of their next top-flight outing.

Jayden Bogle is a player who has been a consistent starter for the Whites in 2025/26, as seen by his total of 13 appearances – subsequently not missing a single game to date.

Despite the faith shown in him by Farke once again yesterday, he was unable to produce one of his best showings, and often struggled to contain Jeremy Doku.

The Englishman’s underlying stats from the defeat further showcase his struggles, which could see the manager shuffle his pack and drop the 25-year-old as a result.

Jayden Bogle – stats against Man City

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

90

Touches

46

Passes completed

63%

Possession lost

14x

Dribbles completed

0

Long balls completed

0

Crosses completed

1

Tackles made

0

Stats via FotMob

He only managed to complete 63% of the passes he attempted, subsequently losing possession on 14 separate occasions – highlighting his struggles with the ball at his feet.

Other numbers, such as zero dribbles, zero long balls and just 46 touches of the ball – a tally that was fewer than goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who managed 56 – showcase his lack of impact on proceedings.

Out of possession, Bogle was just as disappointing, as he was unable to make a single tackle, whilst making no blocks and just a single interception in his 90-minute display.

There’s little disputing that the full-back has been an excellent option for Farke in 2025/26 to date, but he will no doubt be concerned by the lack of impact against City.

As a result, the German should look to shuffle his options around in midweek, with a huge reaction needed to make amends for the disappointing defeat yesterday.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Nov 28, 2025

Offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli bowled well for WA but there best result appears to be a draw

AAP24-Nov-2025

Jordan Buckingham took early wickets for South Australia•Getty Images

South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney top-scored to put his side in position to push for victory on the final day of the Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia.McSweeney and Henry Hunt combined for an 88-run stand for the second wicket as the hosts chase a second consecutive Shield win.Related

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The defending Shield champions were bowled out for 333 at Adelaide Oval in the pink-ball day-night clash and at stumps on day three the visitors were 85 for 2, still trailing by 60 runs.South Australia paceman Jordan Buckingham was a menace under lights and took the key wicket of opener Cameron Bancroft for 41.Hunt continued an impressive season that has returned 385 runs at an average of 42. He was trapped in front by a ball that seamed in from Cameron Gannon who was rewarded for attacking the stumps.McSweeney, who scored a century against WA earlier in the season, was the rock who kept the innings together.Western Australia offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli continued the form that has him vying with Todd Murphy to be the next in line when Test star Nathan Lyon retires.Rocchiccioli has a penchant for breaking partnerships by dismissing the key men in the opposition and it was no different when he cleaned up McSweeney with a ripper. The South Australia captain went back to a vicious offspinner that also skidded through with added pace.Extra bounce and spin from Rocchiccioli had earlier accounted for Jason Sangha.He has 17 wickets for the summer after claiming 38 last season.It was that form which won Rocchiccioli a place in the Australia A side for the India A tour to Lucknow where he took six wickets in three innings in September.

Over the summer, Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties as manager of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

He had promised supporters that season three is always the best. Alas, Spurs fans swiftly saw him exit the club, replaced by Thomas Frank.

While Postecoglou had guided the Lilywhites to the Europa League, thus engineering plenty of credit in the bank, they did ultimately finish 17th in the Premier League.

A major trophy was won but their league form was inexcusable. The same could now be said of Spurs under Frank.

Things started off rosy but they have unravelled in recent months. It’s all beginning to become rather Ange, isn’t it? The lack of ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and play attractive football is not rubbing off well on supporters.

Spurs could replace Frank already

As of 30th November 2025, the Dane has only been in charge of Spurs for 171 days. Yet, after a matter of months, Frank is already feeling the heat.

A week ago, the north Londoners put in a drab performance against rivals Arsenal, conceding four in the process. A few days later, while they did look more threatening in attack, they shipped five against European champions PSG.

A defeat against two of the continent’s very best is hardly a surprise, but their 2-1 loss to Fulham only rubbed further salt in the wounds.

This has been a terrible week for Tottenham and it’s hardly a surprise that Fabio Paratici and Co have been told to earmark possible replacements.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

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According to reports in Spain, one name to have emerged on the club’s shortlist is former Barcelona player and manager, Xavi.

While the Spaniard is also on the radar of Manchester United, it’s thought that the Spurs board are considering making a change in the dugout if things have not improved by the end of December. In that eventuality, they will look to speak with Xavi about the job.

It’s stated that Spurs and United see Xavi as ‘an ideal coach to lead a new phase’, largely thanks to the fact that he has ‘modern ideas’ and ‘believes in young players’.

Why Xavi would be perfect for Spurs

Spurs have been there and done it before with a big-name manager. Antonio Conte’s spell ended in tears, as did Jose Mourinho’s. He steered them to a League Cup final at Wembley but was remarkably sacked on the eve of that big game.

As a result, caution must be heeded here. Is Xavi really the best port of call? Fears that another Conte or Mourinho situation could play out are understandable.

Yet, the fact of the matter is that Spurs have tried everything now. The relatively untested route of Postecoglou did end with a trophy but his spell was incredibly topsy-turvy. They’ve also been there and done it with a Premier League-proven manager. Nuno Santo ended poorly and the Frank regime is hardly going well, is it?

It’s rather sad. Frank is a nice man. He’s likeable. The first few months saw something of a revival too. Postecoglou’s defence was a total mess but the former Brentford manager had sorted that out.

Across Tottenham’s first seven games under Frank’s stewardship, they kept five clean sheets. There was better organisation and defensively they were far more resolute. Job done, right? The biggest problem under Ange was fixed. Think again.

The honeymoon period is now over. Spurs have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions. Across that time, they have shipped 15 goals. It’s far from ideal.

Frank’s first 7 games vs last 7 games

Stat

First 7

Last 7

Wins

5

1

Draws

1

1

Defeats

1

5

Goals scored

14

11

Goals conceded

3

15

Data excludes European Super Cup

Stats via WhoScored.

So, why would Xavi represent an upgrade? Well, in the words of Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, the former midfielder is “the best manager in the world.”

Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, the experience he boasts is extraordinary. As a player, he won the World Cup, two European Championships, eight LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.

As a manager, he navigated Barca through choppy waters. Under financial pressure, the Spanish giants still won LaLiga and while they did spend big on the likes of Raphinha and Ferran Torres, a lot of the work done in the transfer market was bringing in players on a free transfer.

Xavi was also the boss who gave a certain Lamine Yamal his debut aged 15. He also handed a first-team debut to Fermin Lopez, now a regular in the Barca team and to centre-half Pau Cubarsi.

Speaking about the Spanish manager’s philosophy, Arsene Wenger once said: “Personally, I like Xavi, and I give him credit for having the courage to bring these young players on board. That’s the difficult thing. He believed in them and gave them a chance to play. It’s true that he didn’t win the league last season, but he did win it the season before that. So I think he did a good job.”

The fact of the matter is that the Spaniard trusts young players and this couldn’t be more perfect for a Spurs squad boasting some of the finest young talent around. Take the likes of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Luka Vuskovic and Luca Williams-Barnett as prime examples. The 45-year-old could be game-changing for players like that.

Born and bred in La Masia, it’s hardly a surprise that Xavi also favours attractive and possession-based football. Frank, on the other hand, does not.

Sure, Spurs were more organised during the opening months of the Frank regime but as manager of Tottenham, the fans expect to see exciting football too.

While the Londoners have enjoyed 53.8% of the ball this season, the sixth-best tally in the division, they have struggled big time with their creativity. Their 9.5 shots per game is the third-lowest tally in the entire Premier League. Only Wolves and Burnley are below them. Remarkably, they are also registering no through balls per game. No other team is worse in that regard.

As a consequence, they sit 16th in the league for expected goals, with a record of 14.33 xG.

To put some of those numbers into context, when Xavi won the league with Barca in 2022/23, they enjoyed the most possession in the league (64.8%), and had the second highest volume of shots per game (15.1).

While Xavi had a better team in his armoury, he is clearly a better tactical coach and the fact that he’s won some of football’s biggest honours puts him on a pedestal far above Frank.

He’s played under the likes of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, he’s certainly been able to learn a thing or two. Spurs would certainly be better off should they seal the remarkable capture of Xavi heading into 2026.

Related As bad as Vicario: Frank must finally bin 5/10 Spurs flop after Fulham

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 30, 2025

أسدل الستار على مباريات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس العرب 2025، والمقامة في قطر، والتي شهدت مواجهات ونتائج مثيرة.

وانطلقت منافسات بطولة كأس العرب يوم 1 ديسمبر بمشاركة 16 منتخبًا، مقسمة على 4 مجموعات، كل مجموعة تضم 4 منتخبات.

وشهدت الجولة الأولى نتائج مثيرة، ففي المجموعة الأولى فاز منتخب سوريا على تونس بهدف نظيف، فيما حقق منتخب فلسطين انتصارًا على نظيره القطري.

طالع | ترتيب مجموعات كأس العرب 2025 بعد نهاية الجولة الثانية

وفي المجموعة الثانية، فاز المغرب على جزر القمر 3-1، فيما انتصر الأخضر السعودي على عمان 2-1.

أما المجموعة الثالثة، شهدت تعادل منتخب مصر مع الكويت بهدف لكل فريق، فيما نجح منتخب الأردن في تحقيق الفوز على الإمارات، بهدفين لهدف.

وأخيرا، في المجموعة الرابعة، تعادل الجزائر مع السودان سلبيًا، فيما فاز العراق على البحرين 2-1. ترتيب مجموعات كأس العرب 2025 بعد نهاية الجولة الأولىالمجموعة الأولى

1- منتخب فلسطين، 3 نقاط.

2- منتخب سوريا، 3 نقاط.

3- منتخب تونس، دون نقاط.

4- منتخب قطر، دون نقاط. المجموعة الثانية

1- المغرب، 3 نقاط.

2- السعودية، 3 نقاط.

3-عمان، بدون نقاط.

4- جزر القمر، بدون نقاط. المجموعة الثالثة

1- منتخب الأردن، 3 نقاط.

2- منتخب مصر، نقطة.

3- منتخب الكويت، نقطة.

4- منتخب الإمارات، دون نقاط. المجموعة الرابعة

1- العراق، 3 نقاط.

2 – الجزائر، نقطة من مباراة.

3 – السودان، نقطة من مباراة.

4 – البحرين، دون نقاط.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo goleou o Juventude, por 5 a 1, na terceira rodada do Brasileirão. Os gols alvinegros na noite deste domingo (21), no Estádio Nilton Santos, foram marcados por Júnior Santos, Tiquinho Soares, Danilo Barbosa, Savarino e Jacob Montes, enquanto Danilo Boza descontou para o Alviverde. Confira o Lance! Final no player acima.

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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
BOTAFOGO 5 X 1 JUVENTUDE – CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO
3ª RODADA
🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 21 de abril de 2024, às 18h30 (hora de Brasília)
📍 Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
🟨 Árbitro: Arthur Gomes Rabelo (ES);
🚩 Assistentes: Bruno Raphael Pires (FIFA-GO) e Eduardo Gonçalves da Cruz (MS);
🖥️ VAR: Daiane Muniz (FIFA-SP).

BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Artur Jorge)
Gatito Fernández; Mateo Ponte (Damián Suárez); Lucas Halter, Bastos (Pablo) e Hugo; Marlon Freitas e Danilo Barbosa; Jeffinho (Diego Hernández), Savarino, Júnior Santos (Jacob Montes) e Tiquinho Soares (Eduardo).

continua após a publicidade

JUVENTUDE (Técnico: Roger Machado)
Gabriel; João Lucas, Danilo Boza, Lucas Freitas e Gabriel Inocêncio; Caíque, Luis Mandaca (Abner), Lucas Barbosa (Thiaguinho), Nenê (Rodrigo Sam) e Jean Carlos (Marcelinho); Erick (Ruan).

Tudo sobre

BotafogoBrasileirãoFutebol NacionalJuventude