قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة ألافيس في الدوري الإسباني.. عودة مصاب

أعلن كارلو أنشيلوتي المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، عن قائمة اللاعبين الذين سيخوضون مباراة ديبورتيفو ألافيس في الجولة 31 من الدوري الإسباني.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وألافيس غدًا الأحد، على ملعب “مينديزوروتزا” في تمام الساعة الرابعة والربع مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة”.

ويحتل ريال مدريد المركز الثاني في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 63 نقطة، بينما يأتي ألافيس في المركز السابع عشر برصيد 30 نقطة.

وشهدت قائمة ريال مدريد استمرار غياب فيرلاند ميندي وأندريه لونين، مع عودة داني سيبايوس من الإصابة.

اقرأ ايضاً.. أنشيلوتي عن حظوظ ريال مدريد أمام آرسنال: سنستخدم الميزة التي نمتلكها بمفردنا قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة ألافيس في الدوري الإسباني

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا، سيرجيو ميستيري، فران جونزاليز.

خط الدفاع: ديفيد ألابا، لوكاس فاسكيز، خيسوس فاييخو، فران جارسيا، أنطونيو روديجر، راوؤل أسينسيو.

خط الوسط: جود بيلينجهام، كامافينجا، فيدي فالفيردي، لوكا مودريتش، أوريلين تشواميني، أردا جولر، داني سيبايوس.

خط الهجوم: فينيسيوس جونيور، كيليان مبابي، إندريك، رودريجو، إبراهيم دياز.

آس: تطورات جديدة في حظوظ محمد صلاح للفوز بـ الكرة الذهبية

رصدت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، تقريرًا مطولاً عن المرشحين هذا الموسم لجائزة الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور”.

وكان رودري لاعب إسبانيا ومانشستر سيتي، هو المتوج بجائزة الكرة الذهبية الأخيرة، متفوقًا على فينيسيوس جونيور.

وأبرزت “آس” في تقريرها، اللاعبين المرشحين بقوة للبالون دور، وفقًا لمساهمتهم مع أنديتهم ومنتخبات بلادهم حتى الآن.

بدأت الصحيفة تقريرها موضحة أن محمد صلاح جناح ليفربول، الذي يقود سباق الحذاء الذهبي ويقترب من لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز كان أبرز المرشحين للجائزة المرموقة، لكن تراجعت حظوظه أمام منافسيه مع توديع الفريق لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأشارت “آس” إلى أن لاعبي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة هم المهيمنون الآن على سباق الكرة الذهبية.

وذكرت أنه في ريال مدريد، فينيسيوس وكيليان مبابي وجود بيلينجهام بلا شك دائمًا مرشحون للجائزة، بالإضافة إلى فيدي فالفيردي الذي يقدم دورًا محوريًا مع النادي الملكي في خط الوسط.

وفي برشلونة، هناك ثلاثة لاعبين مرشحين للكرة الذهبية، هم لامين يامال، رافينها، وبيدري.

وتابعت موضحة أن النجاحات التي سيحققها كل من ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في هذه المرحلة النهائية من الموسم قد تحدد من سيفوز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقارير توضح حقيقة حسم ليفربول اتفاقه مع محمد صلاح وفان دايك

وعلى صعيد المنتخبات، قد يكون دور مبابي في الدور نصف النهائي من دوري الأمم الأوروبية حاسمًا مع منتخب فرنسا.

وبيلينجهام مع منتخب إنجلترا، وفينيسيوس مع البرازيل، وفالفيردي مع أوروجواي، لديهم فقط مباريات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وستكون مسيرة ريال مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا اختبار رئيسي لمدى قدرة أي لاعب من لاعبي ريال مدريد على التتويج بالكرة الذهبية.

وبالنسبة للامين يامال، وبيدري، كلاهما يعلق آماله على وصول إسبانيا إلى النهائي في دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

وبالنسبة لـ رافينها، مع برشلونة سجل 27 هدفًا و20 تمريرة حاسمة، وعلى صعيد الأرقام الفردية مع ناديه، فإن صلاح ومبابي فقط من يستطيعان منافسة البرازيلي.

ومع البرازيل، في هذه المرحلة من التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026، سجل أربعة أهداف وقدم تمريرة حاسمة واحدة.

وسيكون نجاح برشلونة في هذه المرحلة الأخيرة من الموسم حاسمًا أيضًا في رفع مكانة رافينها كمرشح حقيقي للجائزة.

هناك أربعة أسماء أيضًا تنافس، وهم عثمان ديمبيلي (باريس سان جيرمان)، هاري كين وجمال موسيالا (بايرن ميونخ)، ولاوتارو مارتينيز (إنتر ميلان).

Graham Thorpe to oversee England quarantine training in Australia

White-ball coaches to link up post-World Cup, as Collingwood warns about bubble life

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2021

Graham Thorpe, pictured with Test captain Joe Root, will oversee the initial leg of the Ashes tour•Getty Images

Graham Thorpe, England men’s assistant coach, will head up the advance party’s preparations for the Ashes, when the Test specialists and Lions arrive in Australia this weekend.Thorpe will stand in for head coach Chris Silverwood while England’s white-ball squad complete their T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE, with the tour party due to undergo 14 days of quarantine on the Gold Coast, before moving to Brisbane to play two intra-squad warm-up matches later in the month.The extended squad, including the 15-man Lions party, is due to arrive in Australia on Saturday, a month in advance of the first Test at the Gabba, starting on December 8. They will undergo three days of hard quarantine, but have been granted an exemption to undertake socially distanced training at Carrara’s Metricon Stadium from November 10-20.Thorpe will be assisted in this initial period by Jon Lewis, the ECB’s elite pace bowling coach, along with Carl Hopkinson (fielding coach), Bruce French (wicketkeeping consultant) and Jonathan Trott (batting consultant), all of whom will remain with the Lions squad. Kent’s Min Patel and Nottinghamshire’s Ant Botha have also been seconded from the county network to assist with the tour.Related

Rory Burns looks to hit top gear with 'decent sort of experience' in Australia

England’s former bowling coach, Troy Cooley – who played a key role in honing England’s pace attack ahead of the 2005 Ashes – is understood to have been recruited to assist with the squad’s build-up to the first Test, with an announcement expected in the coming days.The coaching staff will be completed once the white-ball squad has completed its own quarantine period, with Silverwood due to be joined by Paul Collingwood, Jeetan Patel and James Foster, all of whom are currently in Sharjah preparing for England’s final group match against South Africa on Saturday, with their place in the semi-finals all but certain.Speaking from England’s white-ball camp in the UAE, Collingwood welcomed the chance to get stuck into the next leg of their winter campaign.”We’ve got two exciting parts of our cricketing history and that’s the T20 World Cup and the Ashes,” Collingwood said. “I’m very much looking forward to being a part of it.”I’ll be 100% honest, I’m not great with bubble life, I don’t really enjoy it that much, but I’m hoping Australia is going to have a little bit more freedom out there to go and enjoy the country and the cricket, because to be successful out there is hard work but it’s very satisfying if you do well.”The ECB and Cricket Australia, in consultation with Australia’s state and federal governments, agreed to a number of measures to enable the Ashes to take place this winter in spite of the country’s stringent Covid-19 restrictions, including an allowance for families to join the tour. While Collingwood was grateful for the concessions, he warned that the use of bio-secure environments for international tours could not last indefinitely.”I think world cricket has done really well so far, in terms of how much bubble life we’ve done,” he said. “We all cope in different ways. It’s tough. Being very honest, I’m not sure how much more bubble life world cricket can take – not just the England team, I’m saying world cricket here.”We’re going to have to look closely at mental welfare moving forwards. I don’t think it can continue for too much longer,” Collingwood added. “I think a lot of players and management around the world are close to capacity in terms of how much they can take with this. Hopefully the hierarchy look into it and in the future we find ways that we’re not so restricted.”It puts a lot of pressure on, not just individuals, but families as well. It can be tough at times but we’re here to help each other out in these environments and hopefully have some good friends in here that help you out when you have some dark days.”England Ashes Coaching Team
Head coach: Chris Silverwood
Assistant coaches: Paul Collingwood, Graham Thorpe
Elite pace bowling: Jon Lewis
Elite spin bowling: Jeetan Patel
Wicketkeeping consultant: James FosterEngland support and Lions Coaching Team
Elite Fielding coach: Carl Hopkinson
Batting consultant: Jonathan Trott
Wicketkeeping consultant: Bruce French
Coaching consultant: Ant Botha
Spin-bowling consultant: Min Patel

Tottenham willing to make possible bid to sign new £12.5m Arsenal player

Tottenham are believed to be weighing up the idea of making an offer for a £12.5m player from Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Tottenham transfer news

Spurs continue to be linked with possible new signings to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s squad, with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney emerging as a reported target. A January move for the 22-year-old has been mooted, with Newcastle United also thought to be showing an interest in him.

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is also reportedly wanted by the north Londoners, who are even said to be in pole position to acquire his signature. The 21-year-old has impressed for the Tractor Boys this season, despite their struggles as a team, scoring five goals in eight Premier League starts.

Meanwhile, Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro has been mentioned as an option for Spurs, with the 21-year-old a bright young attacking talent, but Manchester City are providing competition, which always acts as a concern.

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is another young player of whom big things are expected, and he is another rumoured target for Postecoglou’s men, having shone at Borussia Dortmund this season, netting three times in as many Champions League appearances.

Tottenham eyeing £12.5m Arsenal player

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are among the clubs interested in signing Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, in a move that would be controversial, given the rivalry between the two clubs. He is currently on loan at Real Valladolid, moving to Spain during the summer transfer window.

It is stated that Spurs have “entered the market” along with Chelsea in the battle to snap up the 22-year-old, and are willing to possibly make a bid, with the Gunners willing to sell if their asking price of between £12.5m and £16.6m is met.

Whether Arsenal would be willing to sell to Spurs remains to be seen, even if he is a player who they see no future for at the club, but he could be a shrewd addition if they do get their man.

The Gunners stopper is an influential figure at international level, already winning 34 caps for Estonia at the age of just 22, and he has even been praised by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez recently, who said of him: “He has a good build, a very good goalkeeper.”

Hein has started all 11 La Liga games for Valladolid this season, winning one Man of the Match award from WhoScored in the process, and he looks like a young goalkeeper with a lot of potential.

Granted, there is a reason why Arsenal don’t seem desperate to keep hold of him, but his performances this season have highlighted his ability and Spurs should always be looking to bring in exciting young talent.

Pundit names "exciting" Tottenham gem overshadowed by Moore and Lankshear

He’s loved at N17 and by England.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 26, 2024

Guglielmo Vicario is clearly first-choice between the sticks for Postecoglou currently, but added competition for places can never be a bad thing, and Hein could be viewed as a long-term starter in north London, should he continue to improve in the manner that he is.

تقارير تكشف كواليس مشادة بروزوفيتش وسيماكان في مباراة النصر والشباب بالدوري السعودي

كشفت تقارير سعودية عن تفاصيل الاشتباك الذي وقع بين ثنائي النصر، محمد سيماكان ومارسيلو بروزوفيتش، خلال مواجهة الشباب في الدوري السعودي للمحترفين “دوري روشن”.

وشهدت المباراة مشادة كلامية بين اللاعبين، قبل أن يتدخل الحارس ماثيوس بينتو لتهدئة الأجواء وإنهاء الخلاف سريعًا.

ووفقًا لصحيفة اليوم السعودية، فإن الأزمة بدأت عندما وجّه بروزوفيتش اللوم لسيماكان بسبب تباطؤه في إبعاد الكرة أمام مهاجم الشباب، وهو ما أثار غضب الأخير، حيث لم يتقبل طريقة حديث زميله معه في أرض الملعب.

طالع أيضًا | ترتيب الدوري السعودي بعد تعادل النصر والأهلي مع الشباب والخليج وفوز الهلال

لكن التوتر سرعان ما هدأ بعد تدخل زملائهما، وأوضح بروزوفيتش لاحقًا أن الأمر كان مجرد انفعال ناتج عن الحماس ورغبته في تحقيق الفوز.

وانتهت المباراة بتعادل النصر والشباب بنتيجة 2-2، في مواجهة مثيرة ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ24 من دوري روشن السعودي. أهداف مباراة النصر والشباب في الدوري السعودي

Man City already in talks to sign "outstanding" £18m Rodri replacement

Following the news that Rodri will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury, Manchester City have reportedly opened talks to sign a replacement for the Spaniard from Italy’s Serie A.

Man City transfer news

The Citizens couldn’t have been handed worse news than Rodri’s long-term injury. The defensive midfielder is the ultimate key behind their success, even ahead of Erling Haaland. Rodri is the man who provides the platform for such attacking exploits. There is arguably no one better in Europe than Rodri in that role, dealing Manchester City a major blow in pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title.

Txiki considering £83m Man City bid to sign "exceptional" big name player

Ilkay Gundogan wants Pep Guardiola to sign him.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 23, 2024

Pep Guardiola confirmed the news that his star man will miss the rest of the season, telling reporters (via Fabrizio Romano): “Unfortunately, Rodri got the worst outcome. He got surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus. This season is over for Rodri. Next season, he will be here.”

The Premier League champions are already feeling the impact of his injury, dropping points at St James’ Park in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United this weekend, courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s equaliser.

In need of a replacement for Rodri, the Citizens have reportedly turned their attention towards Serie A. According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are already in talks to sign Samuele Ricci from Torino in the January transfer window, as they look towards the 23-year-old to complete the near-impossible task of replicating their star man’s role.

Udinese's Lazar Samardzic in action with Torino's Samuele Ricci

Valued at just €22m (£18m), Manchester City would be getting the bargain of the January window if Ricci managed to seamlessly replace Rodri in Guardiola’s side gunning for yet another title.

"Outstanding" Ricci would ease Rodri blow

Whilst there may not exist a player who would directly replicate Rodri’s quality in this City side, Ricci would at least hand Guardiola a natural option in defensive midfield, and one who has earned a lot of praise. U23 scout Antonio Mango even went as far as dubbing the Torino star “outstanding” in 2023, as he continued an impressive rise for the Italian side.

Working under Guardiola is likely to improve Ricci even further, potentially unearthing a long-term heir to Rodri’s Manchester City throne in both the short and long term.

Progressive passes

47

76

Progressive carries

122

376

Ball recoveries

125

235

Tackles won

18

43

Although the numbers highlight just how big a miss Rodri will be for Manchester City this season, they also show that Ricci could be one to watch, especially if he gets the chance to work alongside some of Europe’s best under the guidance of Guardiola come January.

أحمد فتحي يبرز نقطة ضعف أشرف بن شرقي قبل مباراة الأهلي والزمالك

أكد أحمد فتحي لاعب الأهلي وبيراميدز الأسبق، رغبته في مشاركة أشرف بن شرقي في مباراة القمة المقبلة التي تجمع الأحمر أمام الزمالك ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وانضم أشرف بن شرقي إلى صفوف الأهلي خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الأخيرة، وذلك في صفقة انتقال حر قادمًا من الريان القطري.

وقال أحمد فتحي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “أريد مشاهدة أشرف بن شرقي في مباراة الزمالك، أحب المفاجآت في مثل هذه المباريات لأن الخصم يكون غير متوقع”.

وأكمل: “إذا كنت في مكان كولر أبدأ بـ بن شرقي، هو لعب في هذه الأجواء من قبل، لاعب هادئ وجيد ويمتلك الخبرات ومختلف”.

طالع | رمضان السيد يختار مهاجم الأهلي الأنسب أمام الزمالك في قمة الدوري

واختتم: “بيسيرو مدرب الزمالك لذيذ في التعامل مع اللاعبين، ويعتمد على تقارب الخطوط، ومن نقاط ضعف أشرف بن شرقي أنه لا يقوم بالدفاع، ومن مميزاته أنه يجيد ضربات الرأس والتسديد وذكي”.

ويلتقي الأهلي والزمالك مساء السبت المقبل 22 فبراير الجاري، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الـ15 من الدوري المصري.

Trossard would love him: Arsenal pondering late bid for £110m sensation

While Arsenal enjoyed a brilliant summer on the pitch and have kickstarted their Premier League campaign with back-to-back wins this season, there remains some discontent among portions of the fanbase due to a lack of activity in the transfer market.

So far, the only new faces added to Mikel Arteta's first team have been Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, and Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, which doesn't feel like enough in the face of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City juggernaut.

If you asked fans at the start of the summer about the one area they thought the team needed to strengthen, most would have answered striker. While the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard have started the season in good form, that need for an out-and-out goalscoring nine still feels acute.

Leandro Trossard scores for Arsenal

Fortunately, recent reports have touted one of the best poachers around for a move to the Emirates before the window closes, and he'd surely supercharge Trossard.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal have once again entered the race for £110m Napoli star Victor Osimhen.

victor-osimhen-transfer-gossip-napoli-victor-osimhen-harry-kane-postecoglou

The report claims that following 'perceived disrespect' during negotiations, the Saudi Pro League sides interested in signing the Nigerian international this summer have now walked away from any potential deal, and while Chelsea are still a possible destination, so are the Gunners.

Interestingly, the report has revealed that in the last few days, the North Londoners have once again 'asked for information' on the striker, suggesting that there is a chance Edu Gaspar could come in with a late bid to try and secure the player's services for a cut-price fee.

Victor Osimhen

Whatever that final price ends up being, Osimhen would almost certainly be worth it, as he'd bring a mountain of goals with him to N5 and, in the process, help make Trossard even more unplayable.

Why Osimhen would make Trossard unplayable

So, to get straight to the point, there is one fundamental reason why Osimhen would help get even more out of Arsenal's incredible Belgian: his output.

The Nigerian "monster", as dubbed by analyst Raj Chohan, has proven over the last few seasons that when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net, there are few better than him, and while Trossard was incredible at doing the same himself last season, he did see his assist tally fall to just two, which feels related to the fact that until Havertz moved up top, Arteta was struggling to find a consistent goalscorer who could play down the middle.

If we compare the former LOSC Lille star's tally over the last two full seasons to that of the Gunners' main striking options, Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, we can see just how much more of a goal threat he really is.

Appearances

39

47

33

Goals

31

9

11

Assists

5

1

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.92

0.21

0.54

Appearances

32

51

36

Goals

17

14

8

Assists

4

7

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.65

0.38

0.44

For example, across the 22/23 and 23/24 campaigns, the "world-class" marksman, as dubbed by José Mourinho, scored 48 goals and provided nine assists in just 71 appearances, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.24 games for two years, and he also led the Partenopei to their first league title in over three decades.

In contrast, Jesus scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in 69 games, while the German scored 23 goals and provided eight assists in 98 appearances, meaning the two stars averaged a goal involvement once every 2.02 and 3.16 games, respectively.

Just imagine how much more effective the former Brighton & Hove Albion winger would be playing alongside such a clinical number nine; he'd probably still score plenty of goals himself, but he'd also see his assist tally explode, as he'd have someone there he could rely on to finish the chances he created.

Therefore, while the fee might still be significant and his £210k-per-week wages are a slight concern, Edu and Co should do what they can to bring Osimhen to the Emirates this summer.

He'd solve their Saka problem: Arsenal want to secure late £59m signing

The incredible attacker would add so much quality to the Gunners’ squad.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 27, 2024

Arsenal are beginning to unleash their very own answer to Haaland

It's not very fair is, it? Come on Erling, these people have families. The rampant Norwegian is proving to be the usual source of chaos, chaos that once all is said and done will probably see Manchester City beat Arsenal to the Premier League title for the third year in a row.

Haaland is a robot, an alien, a footballing juggernaut who destroys everyone and everything in his wake.

As Arsenal slumped to a 1-1 draw with Brighton in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, Man City responded in emphatic fashion. Well, their striker responded.

Pep Guardiola's main man was at it again at the London Stadium to down West Ham in brutal, mesmerising fashion.

Haaland's performance against West Ham

The Norway international's hat-trick against Ipswich Town the weekend prior felt inevitable. Kieran McKenna's men performed some admirable business in the transfer window but very little can prepare you for the onslaught of Haaland.

The Tractor Boys went 1-0 up but the powerhouse forward responded by knocking three goals past them. Well, he was at it again against West Ham on Saturday evening.

Another hat-trick was notched up to take his early season tally to seven goals in three outings. For anyone who doesn't have him in their fantasy team, quite frankly, what are you playing at?

This is an unstoppable beast and the way in which he took his trio of goals in the capital two days ago was freakish. The second was a rasping crunching effort that soared past the goalkeeper and the third, out of nowhere, was quite magnificent.

Haaland ran in behind and comfortably slotted the ball past substitute goalkeeper and former Arsenal man Lukasz Fabianski as if he wasn't even in the net.

So, good luck Gunners. Truly, good luck finding a way to beat Man City when they have him up front.

How do they respond? Well, despite not adding a centre-forward to their ranks over the summer, they are beginning to build quite the weapon up front.

Arsenal's answer to Haaland

Now, hear us out, but Kai Havertz does have similar attributes to Haaland.

He may not have the goalscoring prowess – although that is improving – but he has a lengthy build that ensures he is a nightmare for defenders, boasts remarkable strength and is left-footed.

That last one is rather tenuous, admittedly, but like we said, hear us out for a few minutes, he has come a long way since his blase attitude was said to be "like Mesut Ozil" by Paul Merson.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the £65m signing from Chelsea is actually the same height as City's no.9. So, there's the first box ticked.

Where else are they similar? Well, they've got that style of play that looks rather effortless. The German has already been compared to a figure like Dennis Bergkamp and it's clear to see why.

He may not be as graceful as the great Dutchman but like Haaland, that wirey frame and the long strides they possess come in handy when looking for two things; someone to hold the ball up and someone to regularly hassle defenders.

Until recently, Havertz had been playing as more of a false 9 in the Arsenal team. Yet, in 2024/25, he's been given the keys to become the leading man. The way he took his goal against Brighton on Saturday was Haaland-esque, racing onto a ball in behind and plonking the ball over Bart Verbruggen.

Stylistically there are also clear differences. Haaland has pace. Havertz isn't blessed hugely in that department. The numbers do tell us something interesting though, even if we can't quantify their biggest similarity; strength.

Progressive carries

1.33

2.00

Progressive passes

1.00

3.33

Passes completed

6

15

Passes into final third

0.33

0.33

Shot-creating actions

1.67

2.67

Tackles won

0.67

0.67

Touches

16.7

32.3

As we noted above, there are clear differences in some areas. Havertz is more creative, boasting more progressive passes per 90 minutes. There is a reason former teammate Roberto Hilbert once declared the Germany international has "some things Ozil had". This time we're comparing the two Germans in a positive light.

That said, they aren't really too dissimilar in the carrying department. They don't complete an awful number of passes per 90 minutes and defensively they've actually been relatively on par this term, leading the press with 0.67 tackles apiece.

There is little chance that Havertz ends up ending the campaign as prolific a goalscorer as Haaland but both of them, with their languid and rangy playstyles, will prove key in the destination of this season's Premier League title.

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9 duels lost: Spurs’ 4/10 ace was as bad as Solanke vs Leicester City

Well, that wasn't really the start fans were hoping for.

After a summer of promising performances in preseason and a flurry of exciting signings, Tottenham Hotspur got their Premier League campaign underway last night with a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Leicester City.

Now, in the first half, Ange Postecoglou's side looked electric and like they could've scored three, but therein lies the biggest issue with their display: they didn't put away their chances.

The North Londoner's wastefulness was punished in the second half by none other than Mr Leicester, Jamie Vardy, who nodded one home in the 57th minute to level the score.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites, there were several disappointing performances on the night, including debutant Dominic Solanke.

Solanke's performance in numbers

So, while the result can't be solely blamed on Solanke, it's also hard to deny that in his 99 minutes of action, the £65m striker was extremely wasteful in front of goal.

There were several times when the former Bournemouth ace got onto the end of a brilliant piece of play only to snatch at the ball or fire it directly at Mads Hermansen in the Leicester goal.

The 26-year-old didn't impress Express journalist Amos Murphy, who awarded him just a 4/10 on the night, writing that he 'ought to have found the back of the net at least once' and will 'have to be less profligate in the future.'

Minutes

99'

Shots on target

3

Expected Goals

0.36

Goals

0

Big Chances Missed

1

Lost Possession

8

Offsides

1

Passing Accuracy

15/19 (79%)

It may sound like a harsh assessment of the Englishman, but it's one backed up by his statistics. For example, in his 99 minutes on the pitch, he took three shots on target and produced an expected goals figure of 0.36, yet he failed to score a single goal, missed one 'big chance', lost the ball eight times, was offside once, and maintained a passing accuracy of just 79%.

It wasn't an abysmal showing, and fans shouldn't jump on him right away, but the fact he failed to take any of the chances that came his way was disappointing, although there was another starter who was just as bad.

Udogie's performances in numbers

Yes, unfortunately, one of the other disappointing stars from last night's clash was left-back Destiny Udogie.

Again, like the rest of his team, he wasn't dreadful, and at points in the first half, he looked on it, but as the game dragged on, and especially in the second 45, he began to struggle.

The Italian struggled to cope with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku on the Foxes' right, and it was his cross that found Vardy's head for the equaliser.

Like Solanke, the former Udinese ace was given just a 4/10 by Murphy, who wrote that it was not his 'most convincing performance' and that he 'gave up too much space' for Fatawu.

His statistics from the game do not make for pretty reading either, as in his 99 minutes of action, he was dribbled past once, lost nine out of 14 duels, failed in both his crosses, lost the ball 13 times, committed four fouls and failed to complete a single dribble.

Minutes

99'

Dribbled Past

1

Duels (Won)

14 (5)

Crosses (Successful)

2 (0)

Lost Possession

13

Fouls Committed

4

Dribbles Completed

0

Ultimately, playing one of the promoted teams away from home in your season opener is always a potential banana skin, and while some issues need to be addressed, there is plenty of time for Postecoglou and Co to bounce back from this early setback.

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The incredible talent would be unreal with the £65m man.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 19, 2024

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