The mercurial midfielder has no obvious role in the manager's system, and the Spaniard faces a challenge working him into his XI

He's back. 

Welcome, Jude Bellingham, how Real Madrid (sort of) missed you. The English midfielder was the fulcrum and savior of this team two years ago. Madrid really weren't very good as a unit. They didn't have a striker. Karim Benzema was gone. Bellingham was here as a false nine, and saved Los Blancos' season. It was a tasty narrative: new guy comes in, scores a load of goals, Madrid win a double. 

And then things changed a bit. You probably could have seen it coming. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe shifted the harmony. Bellingham wasn't getting into the same areas. The balance was gone. Instead, the Englishman – once a Ballon d'Or candidate – became a pure runner who didn't always look like he wanted to run. 

Under Xabi Alonso, it might have been awkward from day one. Bellingham didn't quite fit. He was in and out of games at the Club World Cup. The delayed shoulder surgery he underwent in July kind of felt merciful, all said. But now this pseudo-day of reckoning is here. Bellingham has recovered sooner than expected from his operation. And after failing to come off the bench midweek in the Champions League, it looks far more likely now that he will be worked into the side. 

Alonso has made it clear that he has no problem benching the big names, but surely Bellingham is too crucial to fail? Perhaps not. Either way, he will simply have to be integrated. GOAL looks at the manager's options as he looks to bring Bellingham back into his side full of Galacticos… 

GettyA glorious return

It's worth remembering, first, what Madrid are getting back here. Bellingham is an immense talent, and you could make a pretty strong argument that he is the best in his position in world football (with all due respect to the also-excellent Pedri.) He is a versatile presence, capable of playing multiple positions in midfield. Although best as a Steven Gerrard-like No.8, he can be used as a 10, false nine, and, in a pinch, coming off either wing in a four midfielder system (something he did to great effect at times under Carlo Ancelotti).

He is a goalscorer who is adept at making late runs into the box. He can tackle, pass, run and dribble. As an all rounder, there aren't any better. But, as he has shown at times, doing so consistently, for 90 minutes, can prove to be a bit of a problem. 

Indeed, while he was excellent in his first year, Bellingham's levels dropped significantly in his second. Madrid were, quite simply, worse. And Bellingham was shifted around, asked to play in different roles. By the end of it all, the year felt like a bit of a lost cause. A sense of apathy crept into his game. It was perhaps best encapsulated by a Pedri goal in El Clasico in which Bellingham lost the ball and simply neglected to track his man back – only to watch him bash one into the top corner. Bellingham shurgged as it happened. 

AdvertisementGettyGuler out, Bellingham in

But now, he's here. And Alonso will be hoping, no doubt, to get the best out of him. Perhaps the most obvious course of action for reintergration is a straight swap. Alonso has gone for a 4-3-3 so far, with Arda Guler as a creative No.10. It would be harsh on the young Turkey internaitonal, but if like-for-like replacements are what Alonso wants, then benching Guler and bringing Bellingham in works just fine. 

That comes with a problem, though. While Mbappe has been Madrid's best goalscorer, Guler has been their best player this year so far. He has linked things wonderfully, and served as a vital creative presence as Los Blancos have pieced together an undefeated start. Benching him would mean removing their best attacking asset. 

Getty Images SportBellingham in, Guler out wide

Perhaps a safer situation – one that gets all of the best players on the pitch – would be a little more tactical configuration. Alonso has lacked consistency at right wing to date, experimenting with Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo. 

None of the trio has nailed down the spot in full. Guler is young and versatile enough to potentially make that spot his own. He might be less involved, but there are still spaces for him to create, find clever passes, and also provide a little bit of width when needed. If a clear understanding between him and Bellingham comes to fruition – with Mbappe through the middle – the results could be frightening. 

But there is an issue here, too. This would certainly mean Guler's influence would wane. It could also negate the hard work of Mastantuono, Brahim, and Rodrygo. The balance would, undoubtedly, be shifted. 

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Getty Images SportThe big risk

And then, there are the more dangerous options. Want to get Guler in at his best position, use Bellingham as an 8, and rely on the trickery and hard work of someone else on the right? Why not bench Aurelien Tchouameni and go all-out attack? To be clear, it would be more obvious to rest Federico Valverde, but the Uruguayan captain is simply too important to the team. Every manager has found a way to work him in – regardless of system. 

So, against those teams that will certainly sit in a bit, when Madrid need some more attacking answers, there is an argument to be made in which Valverde sits in Tchouameni's holding role, Bellingham gets forward, and Guler stays in as a 10. That would, in theory, be immense fun. 

It would also be something verging on suicide. Valverde is a good No.6, but elite No.8. Madrid are already fairly vulnerable on the counter, and this would make them worse. 

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has now personally made a move for a “sensational” attacking midfielder, who could be brought in as an alternative to Eberechi Eze, according to a report.

Tottenham eyeing Eze alternatives following Arsenal hijack

In what is a major blow, Tottenham have missed out on Eze, with the 27-year-old opting to join bitter rivals Arsenal instead, and Mikel Arteta has since confirmed he always wanted to move to the Emirates Stadium.

When asked about the rumours Eze had phoned him directly, Arteta said: “That shows you how much he wanted to come. It’s very different sometimes because you want to be very open and transparent with the players as they have to make decisions in their careers but I’m delighted to have him. I can tell how much it means to him and his whole family.”

It is a bitter pill to swallow for Spurs, but with just over one week remaining in the transfer window, they will have to move onto alternative targets swiftly, and there is no shortage of potential options on the shortlist.

Player

Current club

League G/A in 24/25

Kang-in Lee

PSG

12

Nico Paz

Como

15

Xavi Simons

RB Leipzig

17

Bilal El Khannouss

Leicester City

5

There has now been a new update on Tottenham’s pursuit of El Khannouss, with a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness) revealing Levy has personally made a move for the attacking midfielder, who is also being targeted by Crystal Palace.

The Moroccan is being targeted as an alternative to Eze, with Palace also looking to sign him as a replacement for the England international, and the Eagles have already reached an agreement in principle with the 21-year-old.

Oliver Glasner’s side remain in discussions over a deal which is expected to amount to around €35m (£30m), so a deal would not break the bank for Spurs.

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The Lilywhites are scrambling to attempt a late move.

1 ByTom Cunningham Aug 24, 2025 El Khannouss could be "sensational" signing for Spurs

Lauded as “sensational” by scout Ben Mattinson, the Leicester attacker has gotten off to a fantastic start to the new season, picking up two assists in two Championship games, while former manager Ruud van Nistelrooy believes he is destined to play at the top level.

Van Nistelrooy said: “I think you’re going to see a lot more of him with his age and profile. His potential is there to be a top player in the Champions League. He can go a long way.”

That said, it would be a gamble to sign the Belgium-born midfielder, given that he is yet to establish himself at the highest level, amassing five contributions in the Premier League last season, which indicates the starlet is clearly not at Eze’s level currently.

As such, it may be a wise idea for Tottenham to bring in a ready-made Eze alternative alongside El Khannouss, but he clearly has the potential to be a long-term success in north London.

Losing the Community Shield is hardly the be-all and end-all. Twice under Jurgen Klopp did Liverpool lose on penalties in the season’s curtain-raiser at Wembley, the first of which the Reds won the Premier League in 2019/20; the second time, they came third, mounting an incredible late-season comeback following staggering injury problems.

The fact that just one Community Shield winner has lifted the English top-flight trophy that same year is an ill omen that has been bandied about plenty; and, with apologies to Crystal Palace, that’s hardly likely to change this year.

Still, Arne Slot’s side watched the Eagles lift the silver plate on Sunday after coming from a goal down twice and then winning on penalties after a sorry shootout effort from Liverpool, who missed three of their five spot-kicks.

But having looked disjointed in defence and been overwhelmed in the late stages of the game, it’s clear that Liverpool 2.0 have work to do, even with marquee signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike standing out as potential superstars.

Mohamed Salah was kept quiet, skying his penalty besides, but Virgil van Dijk was at fault for both of Palace’s goals, and the overall lack of solidity at the back puts a light on the need for a new centre-back.

Why Liverpool want to sign Marc Guehi

Van Dijk’s error-riddled outing at Wembley is hardly anything to be seriously concerned about. The skipper is one of the greatest defenders of his generation, and though he turned 34 in July, remains one of the finest in the Premier League.

However, the skipper and his central defensive partner, Ibrahima Konate, have it all to do on their own at the moment, with Liverpool having sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m. Joe Gomez is currently out injured, exacerbating the issue.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi appears the top choice to strengthen the rearguard, and the 25-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, appears likely to be sold this summer.

Valued at an excessive £45m and with Tottenham Hotspur also keen, Liverpool would be wise to keep their options open. And they are, with an exciting alternative in sporting director Richard Hughes’ sights.

Liverpool in for Guehi alternative

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool might have shortlisted Guehi, but he’s not the only one, with Parma’s Giovanni Leoni also on FSG’s radar.

Romano commented on his podcast: “Guehi remains one of the options for Liverpool, for sure. He’s more experienced than the other options they have on their list.

“What I can tell you today is that Liverpool are really really considering as a special talent, Parma talent, Giovanni Leoni. This kid is really special.”

Leoni, 18, is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in Italian football and is already valued at €40m (£34m) by his side.

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Inter Milan also have a vested interest in the teenager, so Liverpool will need to canvass a compelling proposal if they hope to bring him over to Merseyside, well away from his homeland.

What Giovanni Leoni would bring to Liverpool

Leoni might have a meagre amount of professional experience to his name, but the hype around him only reinforces Liverpool’s interest, for this is one of the most exciting young defenders in the game.

The Reds have already shown a willingness to pay a significant fee for 20-year-old Dean Huijsen this summer, but the Spain star opted to leave Bournemouth and sign for Real Madrid in a £50m deal.

In Leoni, Liverpool may yet land their own version of the Los Blancos prodigy, one who would be a willing understudy beneath Van Dijk and Konate for the next few years, stepping in when required and learning from the craft of two elite-level peers.

Standing at 6 foot 5, Leoni already has the physical profile to become a monstrous defensive force, even after just making 17 senior showings for Parma, scoring one goal.

In fact, his efforts in Serie A last season said much about his potential, already displaying a certain level of ability that is reminiscent of Van Dijk, who is one of the most complete defenders out there.

Obviously, Leoni is not on Van Dijk’s level, but his crispness on the ball, coolness, avoiding errors, and confidence in the duel all bespeak a roundedness that could see him succeed Liverpool’s Netherlands superstar down the line.

The rising star has, after all, been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for being “one of the most complete teenage centre-backs in Europe.”

He also won a higher percentage of his aerial battles than any other U20 central defender across the top seven leagues worldwide in 2024/25, bespeaking a headed ability that is akin to that of Van Dijk.

In fact, Leoni has already spoken of his admiration for Liverpool’s defensive great, revealing during an interview when he was only 16 years old that he takes inspiration from the Liverpool captain, who is so cultured and composed on the ball, yet so devastatingly crunching in the challenge.

Liverpool would certainly enjoy more of an instant effect by signing Guehi this summer, but might it be that Leoni has a higher ceiling? Already, the Italian is catching the eye on the senior stage in Serie A, and FSG appear willing to part with a similar sum to Guehi in order to reel him in this summer.

There’s much to consider, but with such a strong central defensive partnership and Gomez to cover too, the Anfield side might want to take a chance and sign this ultimate Van Dijk heir now, before he moves to another top outfit.

New Fabinho: Liverpool join race to sign "one of the best CMs in the PL"

Liverpool could spend big money on signing their new Fabinho.

By
Matt Dawson

Aug 11, 2025

With Australia now holding an eight-points-to-nil lead, the best England can hope for is to win both remaining T20s and the Test to draw the series

Valkerie Baynes20-Jan-2025Injury-hit Australia retained the Women’s Ashes after Beth Mooney’s assured innings led them to a thumping 57-run victory in the first T20I at the SCG.A spirited 59 off 30 balls by Sophia Dunkley kept England in the contest with superb placement and power after they were asked to equal their highest successful run chase in T20Is. But spin duo Alana King and Georgia Wareham claimed five wickets between them as England were bowled out for just 141 in 16 overs.The hosts were missing regular captain and keeper Alyssa Healy, who was ruled out with an injury to the same right foot in which she ruptured the plantar fascia at the T20 World Cup in October, and Ashleigh Gardner, the star of their 3-0 ODI series sweep, to a calf strain.It was the first time Australia had played a T20I without both Healy and Gardner in their XI in 12 years and the first international match both had missed since an ODI in February 2016. That gave young opener Georgia Voll her T20I debut after she had impressed in Australia’s ODI series against India in December, replacing Healy who had a knee injury at the time.But it was Mooney, also standing in as wicketkeeper for Healy, who anchored Australia to an impressive 198 for 7 in their 20 overs with her 51-ball 75 amid a spate of sloppy fielding from England. Tahlia McGrath was Australia’s next-best batter with a rapid-fire 26 from nine deliveries. Mooney also claimed two catches.With Australia now holding an eight-points-to-nil lead, the best England can hope for is to win both remaining T20s and the Test to draw the series, which would still see the hosts retain the trophy.While a crowd of 9,279 turned out on a pleasant Monday night in Sydney during the summer school holidays, the lopsided Ashes contest overall doesn’t auger particularly well for Cricket Australia’s hopes of luring a big crowd to the MCG for a day-night Test that could well be a total dead rubber.Handy replacementVoll planted her front foot and heaved the fourth ball she faced in T20Is – off Freya Kemp – powerfully over mid-on for four. A couple of fielding errors by England were exacerbated when Lauren Bell dropped Voll on 13. Bell couldn’t look as the ball ran down to fine leg for a second of three consecutive fours off Charlie Dean, bookended by two convincing slog-sweeps through square leg.But Bell made amends when she pinned Voll in front of leg stump for 21 off just 11 balls in the next over with the Australian burning a review in the process. Voll’s exit brought Phoebe Litchfield to the crease and, as she foretold in the lead-up to the match, she took a liking to England’s spin attack. She slammed legspinner Sarah Glenn’s third ball through cover for four, followed immediately by a stunning switch-hit for six over cover point.Beth Mooney swings into the leg side•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesMooney shinesMooney, meanwhile, rode her luck, dropped by wicketkeeper Amy Jones on 16 after overturning an lbw decision, she skied the last ball of Glenn’s opening over towards cover only to see the two close-by fielders watch it fall to the ground between them. But then Heather Knight saved England’s blushes straight after the drinks break with an excellent direct hit from mid-off to remove a diving Litchfield at the non-striker’s end as she chanced a single.England’s fielding picked up for a time, albeit from a low base, with Jones completing a sharp stumping to remove Ellyse Perry, Danni Wyatt-Hodge proving reliable running in from deep midwicket as Annabel Sutherland holed out and Maia Bouchier almost coming to grief with a good diving effort at long-off to prevent a four by McGrath. Bouchier appeared to hurt her shoulder badly but recovered to remain on the field. All the while, Mooney kept the Australian innings going apace. She brought up her fifty off 37 balls and she and McGrath helped themselves to 17 runs off Bell’s third over. While Sophie Ecclestone ended McGrath’s innings with an excellent delivery that dipped and skidded onto the stumps between the batter’s legs, Mooney pressed on until she was stumped strolling past a Kemp delivery, by which point, her work was done.Georgia Wareham and Alana King took five wickets between them•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesDunkley keeps England in itEngland’s pursuit began poorly when Bouchier sent the second ball of the innings, from Megan Schutt, straight to deep backward square and Wyatt-Hodge followed driving a Kim Garth outswinger to Litchfield in the slips. Dunkley picked off three sixes and 22 runs in all off Garth’s next over though. King, playing her first T20I in nearly two years, struck with her first ball, a short legbreak that beat Nat Sciver-Brunt’s attempted pull and clattered into middle stump. But Dunkley’s timing was superb as she picked gaps with precision and cleared the boundary four times. She raised her fifty off just 24 balls, the second-fastest scored against Australia in T20Is and equal to second-fastest in the format.King claimed her second wicket straight after drinks when Australia appealed to the DRS to remove Knight lbw trying to reverse-sweep and McGrath’s cutter crashing into Dunkley’s leg stump felt like the end for England. So it proved as the visitors lost their last five wickets for 25 runs in 3.1 overs with Wareham removing Jones, Ecclestone and Dean.

Luis Diaz admitted to having talks with Barcelona over a possible move from Liverpool in the summer transfer window before the 28-year-old winger joined Bayern Munich. The Colombian had been on Barca's list of targets as they pursued a new attacker but ultimately lost out as he pushed for Liverpool to accept the German club's bid instead.

• Luis Diaz confirms Barcelona talks in the summer

  Buzzing from Bayern's latest win against Chelsea in the opening fixture of the Champions League, the Bayern attacker confirmed that Barcelona were chasing his signature this summer. However, he chose to join Bayern instead as he believed it was an best decision for his career, signing a four-year contract upon a €70 million (£60m/$82m) transfer.

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• Getty Images
  

  Diaz is extremely happy having joined Bayern Munich

  Diaz told : "I am very happy to be at this great club. There have been talks [with Barca], as is usual in the market, with several teams. I made an objective decision about my future, and the most important thing is that I'm coming to a great club. So I'll try to do my best."

  Diaz, on his win against Chelsea, said: "I'm very happy with the win; it lives up to our expectations. A start like this is important for the team to stay calm. Now it's time to rest."

• Barcelona's pursuit of a winger this summer

  Barca's pursuit of a winger during the summer 2025 transfer window began with strong interest in Liverpool's Diaz, considered a top target, but talks stalled due to Liverpool's unwillingness to negotiate. The focus then shifted to Athletic Club's Nico Williams, leading to a month-long saga that collapsed over his insistence on an exit clause and registration guarantees, after which he extended his stay at Bilbao. In the end, the Blaugrana turned to Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, securing him on a season-long loan with an option to buy-a pragmatic move shaped by financial and registration constraints.

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• AFP
  

  What lies ahead for Diaz and Barcelona

  While Diaz has won his opening Champions League clash against Chelsea, Barca are heading to St. James' Park to face Newcastle on Thursday without teenage star Lamine Yamal. However, coach Hansi Flick is optimistic, with Rashford starting in his place for this crucial match.

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is currently at the centre of a tug of war between Arsenal and Tottenham as we enter the final fortnight of this year’s summer transfer window, with many twists and turns still to be had.

Eze is seen as the playmaker to fill James Maddison’s gaping void at Spurs.

The aforementioned attacker was ruled out for a large portion of the new season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season against Newcastle United, while Arsenal have been looking at him as a potential number 10 addition to complement the likes of Martin Odegaard and highly-rated youngster Ethan Nwaneri (Sky Sports).

Reports throughout the last month have consistently suggested that Arsenal are in serious pursuit of Eze.

Some media sources even believe that Arsenal reached a partial agreement on financial terms with Palace after holding extensive talks on the player side, but a move for Eze may not be as advanced as this after all.

Earlier this week, talkSPORT reported that while Andrea Berta has maintained a serious interest in the 27-year-old and could still move for him, Arsenal are hesitating due to their desire to hand Nwaneri more consistent minutes in 2025/2026.

This has seemingly gifted their arch rivals, Tottenham, a chance to swoop in and strike a deal for Eze to combat the loss of Maddison.

While Eze is reliably believed to have held talks with Mikel Arteta about a move to N5, it appears Spurs are the ones making moves right now in terms of negotiations with Palace and a potential bid.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish has also apparently set a “difficult price”, as explained by journalist Graeme Bailey to TBR Football.

Arsenal's fresh stance on signing Eberechi Eze with "difficult price" set

Arsenal have adopted a fresh stance over signing Eze amid rival interest from Tottenham and potentially paying over the odds, with Bailey claiming that a move for the England international is actually off for now.

“Eze is a tricky one. Steve Parish is asking well over £60 million, which is a difficult price. Arsenal liked the player, but that move seems to be off for now,” said Bailey.

“Some people think Spurs might consider him too expensive, but I suspect they’ll try. They’ve paid that sort of money before, and I think Spurs will come in for him and probably get him.

“Unlike Arsenal, who always viewed Eze as a number 10 rather than a solution for the left-hand side, Tottenham see him as someone who can play on the left. That flexibility is likely to push Spurs to make a move in the coming days.

“Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to focus on strengthening the left-hand side rather than pursuing someone they see primarily as a number 10. They are unlikely but not completely impossible to make a move for Eze at this point.”

The former QPR star bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, as well as averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Palace player in the Premier League.

His quality and attacking threat is clear, but Spurs are arguably the side more in need of Eze right now than Arteta – so it isn’t surprising to see Thomas Frank’s side move with much more gusto.

كشف مصدر داخل نادي أوجسبورج الألماني عن الموقف النهائي للنادي من رحيل إيمري سابيتش المدرب المساعد المنضم حديثًا إلى الجهاز الفني للنادي الأهلي بقيادة الدنماركي ييس توروب.

وكان سابيتش قد ظهر بالفعل في مران الأهلي يوم الأربعاء، كما التقطت له الصور اليوم وهو يسافر رفقة توروب ضمن بعثة الفريق المتجهة إلى بوروندي استعدادًا لمواجهة إيجل نوار في ذهاب دور الـ32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ضياء السيد يعدد مميزات توروب مدرب الأهلي الجديد

وأكد المصدر أن النادي لا يعارض رحيل سابيتش إلى الأهلي، مشيرًا إلى أن المدرب الكرواتي ترك بصمة مميزة خلال فترة عمله مع الفريق في الدوري الألماني.

وقال المصدر في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “ليس لدينا أي مشكلة في رحيل سابيتش عن الفريق، لقد قدم الكثير لنا”.

وأضاف: “لم يتم توقيع اتفاقية رحيله عن أوجسبورج، لكن عندما طلب الرحيل ليس لدينا أي مانع، تمنينا له التوفيق بالفعل مع الأهلي وييس توروب”.

وأوضح المصدر أن الإجراءات النهائية لفسخ العقد بالتراضي بين الطرفين تسير بشكل طبيعي دون أي خلافات مالية أو إدارية.

وأتم: “سيتم توقيع اتفاقية رحيل سابيتش بالتراضي عن الفريق خلال ساعات قليلة بشكل رسمي”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo encara o Tigre, nesta terça-feira (26), pela última rodada do Grupo D da Copa Sul-Americana. Na primeira posição da chave, com 13 pontos conquistados, o Tricolor está a três de distância dos argentinos. Mas há algum risco de eliminação? Quais são os critérios de desempate? Dorival pode se dar ao luxo de poupar jogadores na partida? O Lance! responde.

Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

Como o São Paulo está a três pontos do Tigre, o máximo que o time argentino consegue chegar é o mesmo número de pontos, 13. Portanto, fica a pergunta de quais são os critérios de desempate para definir o único classificado diretamente às oitavas de final da Sul-Americana. A Conmebol define o saldo de gols como o primeiro critério de desempate. Em relação a isso, a situaçâo do São Paulo é muito cconfortável.

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

O Tricolor tem 11 gols pró de saldo, contra apenas três do Tigre. Ou seja, para ser eliminado, o São Paulo precisa levar oito gols do clube argentino. Curiosamente, a defesa é um dos pontos fortes da equipe de Dorival Júnior no torneio, já que o time ainda não sofreu gols em cinco jogos disputados.

O outro critério de desempate é em relação ao número de gols feitos, critério que o São Paulo também leva vantagem. O Tricolor fez 11 tentos, já o Tigre balançou a rede em sete oportunidades. Portanto, apenas uma ‘tragédia’ tira a classificação do Tricolor para a próxima fase da Sul-Americana.

South Africa’s centurion frustrated by preparations after to-and-fro flights between Pakistan and Dubai

Danyal Rasool05-Mar-20253:51

Philander: ‘Honest conversations will need to happen’

Soon after New Zealand had wrapped up a convincing victory that secured safe passage into the final of the Champions Trophy, Kane Williamson and David Miller bumped into each other. They were blocking each other’s path in the doorway of the press-conference room; Williamson had just finished media duties, and Miller was about to start. There was a convivial smile, and a warm hug. Williamson left, while Miller, the disappointment on his face writ large, stayed back.That congeniality between the two turned out to be more than just a passing sentiment as Miller expressed his preference for the final that his side will yet again miss out on. “I’ll be honest with you. I think I’ll be supporting New Zealand,” he said.New Zealand and South Africa have often got along with each other, but at this tournament, Miller’s well-wishes may have stemmed from the empathy of shared experiences. Over the last week, New Zealand and South Africa have each made trips to Dubai and back from Pakistan. New Zealand played India in their final group game there on Saturday, before returning in the small hours of Monday morning to play this semi-final.South Africa, meanwhile, flew out to Dubai from Karachi on Sunday after playing against England the previous day, to guarantee they would have enough time to prepare for an earlier semi-final in Dubai. As the results came clear, it turned out that they would not need to play there after all, and took the next flight back to Lahore, barely 12 hours after landing in Dubai.”It’s only an hour-and-40-minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that [was not ideal],” Miller said. “It’s early morning, it’s after a game, and we had to fly. Then we got to Dubai at 4pm. And at 7.30 in the morning we had to come back. It doesn’t make it nice. It’s not like we flew five hours, and we had enough time to recover and recuperate. But it was not an ideal situation still.”Related

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Blog – New Zealand beat South Africa to reach Champions Trophy final

Ravindra and Williamson set up title bout with India

In this semi-final, however, he acknowledged New Zealand were the better side and deserved winners. The game ended on a bittersweet note for Miller, who got to an unbeaten 67-ball hundred off the final ball of the contest. It gave him the opportunity to rock his arms back and forth to celebrate the recent birth of his son but Miller said he would “rather have played badly” and South Africa had won.”There were really good contributions, a couple of fifties up front. We had a really good foundation. Unfortunately, in the middle, we lost a couple of wickets too many. At the end of the day, it’s a team effort. Everyone’s trying out there to do their best. It would have been nice to have a rematch against India. But life is not fair sometimes. Anyone has to work really hard to achieve trophies.”Ultimately, perhaps, the tie was snatched out of South Africa’s hands in the first innings, despite Miller’s destructive ability. New Zealand won the toss and batted first, having what Miller thought were the better of the conditions, particularly with the lack of assistance for spin under the sun.”It’s not easy chasing 360 [363] even if it’s a good wicket. There was no dew, so I think the wicket just deteriorated as the game went on. They spun the ball a lot more than us. It’s just they got a little bit more purchase out of the wicket.”Though he made his preference for the final clear, it did not amount to a prediction. “They’re both incredibly good teams,” Miller said. “India have shown the world how really good they are. They’ve been playing some good cricket for a number of years now and they’ve got some seriously good players. It’s going to be a great game.”

It’s safe to say the last few weeks have been incredibly Spursy. From the lows of missing out on Eberechi Eze to the highs of defeating Manchester City and then announcing Xavi Simons on Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been through the wringer.

That was capped off this weekend. In front of their new arrival, Thomas Frank’s side came unstuck for the first time this season, defeated by Bournemouth.

While Frank’s tenure at Spurs has so far been pretty smooth on the pitch, behind the scenes, the transfer business has been tricky.

They missed out on Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White, two of the Premier League’s finest English talents, while a deal for Savinho has been in the works for a while now, but they are likely to miss out on him as well.

Spurs' Savinho alternative on deadline day

A number of weeks ago, it was revealed that Spurs had opened talks with Manchester City in an attempt to bring Savinho to north London.

A deal looked possible but the further we’ve got into the window, the less likely the chances of concluding a deal have become.

The Brazilian has missed the opening few weeks of the campaign with an injury but recent reports suggest that City aren’t too keen on losing the winger. Still, the Londoners are pressing on with their attempts to sign the player.

As a result, Spurs have to look elsewhere, and according to TEAMtalk, one alternative could be Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.

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The former Everton and Fulham man is enjoying a fine time of it in Italy but he wants out and has already moved back to London in a bid to force his way out of Bergamo for good.

One destination could well be Tottenham Hotspur. The report suggests that the Serie A side have been in talks with clubs across Europe to find him a new home and should the Lilywhites fail in their pursuit of Savinho, Lookman is likely to emerge as a prime target.

A deal could be done in the region of £35m-£40m in the dying embers of the transfer window.

How Lookman compares to Savinho

It’s been a transfer window fraught with hurdles for Spurs but if they can conclude a deal for another new forward before the window slams shut at 7pm on Monday, they’d be in a fabulous place to challenge for a top four berth come next May.

With Frank in need of finding more creativity, Savinho would certainly tick a lot of boxes.

Last season, the Brazil winger supplied 13 assists in all competitions and ranked among the top 13% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, via FBRef.

However, despite his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, his lack of goal threat must be outlined.

In 2024/25, Savinho found the net on just three occasions, only one of which came in the Premier League. This is a problem, particularly when comparing him with Lookman.

The Nigeria international has come a long way since that dire penalty miss in a Fulham shirt and is now “one of the best forwards in Europe”, as described by journalist Oma Akatugba.

Why? Well, he’s become a true superstar of Serie A, netting on 20 occasions in 40 games last season. During the 2023/24 term, he scored 17, seven of which came on the left wing and a further seven came as a centre-forward, highlighting his versatility.

So, unlike Savinho, he’s capable of playing in a plethora of positions and he’s a genuine goalscorer. He’s also capable of creating for his teammates, registering ten assists in 2023/24 and seven in 2024/25.

Goals

0.60

0.05

Assists

0.20

0.41

Expected assists (xA)

0.32

0.31

Shots

3.24

2.81

Key passes

2.44

2.35

Progressive passes

2.92

3.42

Successful take-ons

1.48

2.65

Progressive carries

5.68

6.99

Analysing the data, it’s evident that Savinho is the better dribbler and carrier of possession.

Yet, despite the City forward trumping Lookman for overall assists in 2024/25, the latter proved that he can be equally, if not more creative, registering a higher volume of key passes and thus, also registering a better rate of expected assists.

So, depending on where you were to field the Atalanta attacker, he could provide everything Savinho does, just with an incredibly greater goal threat.

At just £40m, this feels like a snip for Spurs if they enter the race at the last minute.

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