Category Uncategorized

The January transfer window is now officially open for business and Tottenham Hotspur appear to be busy and ready to improve their squad before the end of the month.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Spurs have a deal in place with RB Leipzig to sign forward Timo Werner on loan until the end of the season.

The Germany international is due to arrive on a temporary basis and the club will have an option to make the move permanent in the summer, although that is not a mandatory clause and he could return to his home country next term.

Romano has since revealed that the attacker's medical has been booked in and Werner is expected to start training with his new teammates this coming week.

The reporter has also stated that the club are in talks over the structure of a deal to sign Romania international Radu Dragusin from Genoa to bolster their options at the heart of their defence.

Spurs transfer news – Matias Soule

Speaking to TVPlay in December, Italian journalist Fabio Santini named Spurs as a possible destination for Juventus youngster Matias Soule in January.

The reporter claimed that the Old Lady would like to cash in on the talented young winger during the winter window and would demand a fee of up to €25m (£21m).

He added that Spurs and fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are the two clubs that the Italian giants could sell him to this month.

However, Soule is currently on loan to Frosinone until the end of the 2023/24 campaign and it remains to be seen whether or not Juventus will recall him in January in order to sell him now.

The alternative would be that Tottenham, or Palace, are able to secure an agreement for his services this month but they would not bring him in until the summer after his loan with the Serie A side comes to an end.

Ideally, he would be brought in now but Ange Postecoglou could look at it as a project signing and one that they could afford to wait with.

Soule has enjoyed an impressive season on loan with Frosinone and his statistics suggest that he has the quality to arrive as a big upgrade on current Spurs forward Brennan Johnson, which is one argument why it could benefit them to bring him in now.

Tottenham signed the Wales international from Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window for a fee that The BBC reported could be worth in excess of £45m.

However, the 22-year-old forward has not had the easiest start to life in North London and has a way to go before being able to justify such a significant fee.

Brennan Johnson's season in numbers

The young attacker has not provided consistent quality from the wing despite being provided with plenty of opportunities to impress by Postecoglou.

Johnson has started 14 of his 17 Premier League appearances so far this season for Spurs but has only produced one goal and four assists.

22/23 Premier League

Brennan Johnson for Forest (via Sofascore)

Expected Goals

8.56

Goals

Eight

Expected Assists

1.86

Assists

Three

Sofascore rating

6.70

He has significantly underperformed in front of goal with one strike from an xG (Expected Goals) of 3.39. Heung-min Son, meanwhile, has plundered 12 league goals from 7.12 xG, which shows how much of a difference a lethal finisher can make in the final third.

Johnson ranks within the top 29% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty xG (0.29) per 90, but ranks within the bottom 13% for non-penalty goals (0.08) per 90.

This shows that his teammates are providing him with high-quality chances at an impressive rate and he has been unable to make the most of them.

The Welsh ace does have four assists to his name but they have come from 1.81 xA, which shows that his fellow attackers have been clinical with the opportunities that have fallen their way from his passes and crosses.

In fact, Johnson ranks within the bottom 32% of his positional peers for shot-creating actions (3.19) and the bottom 29% for progressive passes (2.60) per 90 this season.

These statistics show that the former Forest star is a wasteful finisher who does not provide an outstanding level of creativity on the wing, which is why Spurs could benefit from landing an upgrade on him this month.

The statistics that show why Soule would be an upgrade on Johnson

Postecoglou could improve his side by signing Soule, who Juventus seemingly want to cash in on, this month, or in the summer after his loan with Frosinone ends.

The 20-year-old whiz, who is two years younger than Johnson, has been in splendid form this season and his statistics suggest that he could offer far more to Spurs from a wide position.

Most similar players to Soule in Men's Big 5 Leagues and European competitions (via FBref)

Player

Rank

Antony

1

Eberechi Eze

2

Jamal Musiala

3

Jude Bellingham

4

Dominik Szoboszlai

5

He has started 17 Serie A matches for Frosinone so far this season and has showcased his clinical nature in front of goal with eight strikes from an xG of 6.43.

This shows that, unlike the current Spurs forward, Soule is ruthless in the final third and is able to make the most of the opportunities that have come his way.

The Argentine youngster, who scout Jacek Kulig claimed can "produce magic", has also displayed his creative talent with five 'big chances' created and 3.02 xA in those 17 league appearances, but has only been rewarded with one assist.

As you can see in the chart above, Soule ranks within the top 6% of Serie A attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions (5.34) and the top 4% for progressive passes (6.80) per 90 this season.

This shows that the Juventus loanee has the quality to consistently provide a creative threat in the final third, both in terms of directly creating for his teammates with shot-creating actions and passes to progress his team up the pitch from deep positions.

Therefore, Soule could be a big upgrade on Johnson as his statistics suggest that he would offer far more in front of goal as both a scorer and a creator.

Big Picture

On this tour of New Zealand, India have suffered their biggest defeat in ODIs – in terms of balls left – and T20Is – in terms of runs they fell short by – but it has unequivocally been an impressive tour for India so far. Before that Hamilton debacle in the ODI came a clinical surge to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ODI series, and the response to Hamilton was the Wellington ODI, in which India deliberately chose to bat in difficult conditions, overcame them and pulled off an unlikely defence. All this without the best white-ball bowler in the world, Jasprit Bumrah.

Watch India v NZ live

Followers in the United States can watch the second T20I live on ESPN+

Now people want to see how India respond to the Wellington T20I defeat where their bowlers seemed to have a collective off day. There might also be the realisation that they need to play at least one more wicket-taking bowler and compromise a bit of depth in batting. These bilateral T20Is, though, are an opportunity to experiment. India want to test their bench strength, but now it will have to marry with the need to stay alive in the series. Their bowlers – whoever plays – will be asked to put in a better show and bowl to the plans and the fields.For the first time during this trip by India, New Zealand are in the lead, and they will want to seal the series in Auckland. They seem to be better suited to the shorter format right now. They seem to have all-round options without necessarily sacrificing one suit or the other. Colin de Grandhomme, for example, wasn’t even required to bowl in Wellington even though one of the bowlers, Scott Kuggeleijin, had a bad day. They will want a repeat in Auckland.

Form guide

New Zealand (completed matches, most recent first) WWLLLIndia LWLWW

In the spotlight

Rohit Sharma won’t like this mini dip in his scores. After a brace of fifties in Mount Maunganui – he looked good for a double in the first of those – Rohit has had scores of 7, 2 and 1. In a way it is less frustrating to get out without a start rather than wasting one, but Rohit won’t be happy with the nature of his dismissals. Twice movement got him, and on the third occasion his favourite shot – the pull – landed in the lap of a deep fielder. Watch out for how he responds.Tim Southee is an unusual player: he is a shoo-in in Tests and T20Is, but out of favour in ODIs. He showed his worth in his first international back with figures of 3 for 17 in his four overs. He will want to continue doing that to push for a return to the ODIs too.Getty Images

Team news

The only change New Zealand might think of is to possibly find a way to include James Neesham. He could replace Kuggeleijn or de Grandhomme.New Zealand (likely) 1 Tim Seifert (wk), 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (capt.), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 James Neesham/ Colin de Grandhomme, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Scott Kuggeleijn, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Lockie FergusonIndia could go in with a few changes. One of the three wicketkeepers or one of the allrounders could be left out. They could want to play two wristspinners too.India (likely) 1 Rohit Sharma (capt.), 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Shubman Gill/ Vijay Shankar, 4 Rishabh Pant, 5 Dinesh Karthik, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Krunal Pandya/Kuldeep Yadav, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Khaleel Ahmed/ Mohammed Siraj, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal

Pitch and conditions

Eden Park is oddly shaped and a tough ground to defend. This is a ground where last year Australia successfully chased down 244 with seven balls to spare. Chasing 143, New Zealand once got there in 10 overs. Yet nine matches have been won by sides batting first to six by chasing sides. A pleasant day is expected for the game.

Stats and trivia

• India have a 2-7 head-to-head in T20Is against New Zealand. Their seven losses include all three matches they have played in New Zealand.
• Yuzvendra Chahal needs five wickets to reach 50. Only Jasprit Bumrah (48) and R Ashwin (52) have taken more for India.
• Hardik Pandya has never conceded more runs in a T20 international than the 51 he did in Wellington. It was his second-most expensive analysis in all T20 cricket.

Quotes

“Sometimes in T20 cricket, it can feel really nice and your figures can look really different. It was just a part of almost the perfect puzzle last night, the perfect team performance.”

Recent allegations will be in the mind of the tourists in Australia, says former Sri Lankan batsman

Andrew McGlashan in Brisbane23-Jan-2019

Dinesh Chandimal has a chat with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha•RANDY BROOKS/AFP/Getty Images

Russel Arnold believes that trust will “take a beating” in the Sri Lankan game following the raft of corruption allegations in recent times, to the extent that even team-mates may not feel able to trust each other.There is currently an ICC amnesty in place for anyone to come forward with further information. This, after charges against three former players, including Sanath Jayasuriya and Nuwan Zoysa, under the anti-corruption code.Arnold, the former Sri Lanka batsman who is part of the commentary team for the upcoming two-Test series against Australia, said that though the current players will do all they can to shut out the distractions, there must be some lingering doubts.”Anything around will certainly worry players, they are all human, even we are feeling a little nervy about what we are hearing, with the allegations we still don’t know exactly where things are,” he said.”But trust does take a beating, you tend to wonder what the hell is going on. I would be surprised if none of this is in the back of their mind, whether they can trust their team-mate, whether they can trust anyone’s instructions or gameplans, it has to worry them.”ALSO READ: Sanath Jayasuriya states his ‘integrity and transparency’ in wake of ACU chargesWhen Dinesh Chandimal, the Sri Lanka Test captain, was asked about the impact of the corruption investigations, he said, “I don’t have any comments on that.”The ICC initially launched investigations in late 2017 following allegations made by former seamer Pramodya Wickramasinghe, which led to current players, including Chandimal and Upul Tharanga, writing a letter to the Sri Lanka board asking for the “baseless allegations” to be addressed.Since then, the most significant charges laid have been those against Jayasuriya for actions during his second stint as chairman of selectors relating to a one-day series against Zimbabwe in 2017.Earlier this week, the head of the ICC’s anti-corruption unit, Alex Marshall, urged more people to come forward if they had information.”I am encouraged by the number of people that have come forward and the new information we’re receiving as a result. This intelligence is assisting our ongoing and wide-ranging investigations in Sri Lanka as well us enabling us to continue to develop a comprehensive picture of the situation there,” he said.”I would urge any more players or participants who have any information concerning corrupt conduct to come forward over the next week and share it with us in the strictest of confidence without any fear of repercussions.”Sri Lanka sports minister Harin Fernando recently met with Marshall, and though he believed the problems stemmed more from the administrators than the players, he acknowledged that the issue was widespread.”Sri Lanka is being ranked one of the top countries for cricket corruption,” Fernando told . “They told me that the problem was not limited to bookies, but even the local game’s links with the underworld.”Fernando also alleged in a recent interview with , that there had been attempts to even bribe him to influence team selection, and that he had promptly reported that information to Marshall and the ACU. An investigation is understood to be under way about that incident as well.(With inputs from Andrew Fidel Fernando)

Making tweaks to stay more upright while bowling has been central to the pacer finding form of old, work he has done in combination with bowling coach David Saker

Daniel Brettig in Adelaide06-Dec-2018You remember those yorkers. Those fast, swerving yorkers that Mitchell Starc unleashed in Auckland and Melbourne against New Zealand, the defining deliveries of the 2015 World Cup. You remember them more than you have witnessed them lately, because Starc hasn’t been able to produce them too often for a while.In the aftermath of Australia’s first home-Test day for the summer, Starc revealed how he and the bowling coach David Saker had been working to rediscover the sort of swing and pace he showcased three years ago. As a result, he has got the new ball swerving more consistently in Adelaide, both the nets and in the middle, than he has since that tournament.Central to their work has been to get Starc bowling in a more upright manner over a braced front leg. Over the course of several years and even more wear and tear to foot and leg, Starc realised that he had been collapsing that leg in trying to avoid soreness and pain. Fully fit after a natural recovery from his most recent foot injury in South Africa earlier this year, Starc was swinging the ball sharply in training ahead of this Test, and on day one gained enough shape to make his angled ball across the right-hander too dangerous for M Vijay to ignore.”We had a bit of a chat a few months ago now prior to the UAE tour about how my action had probably changed, bowling through niggles and periods where I’d been sore and that sort of stuff,” Starc said in Adelaide. “There were times when I’d collapse on my knee to try to get through when I was sore and that sort of thing.”So going back to perhaps as I bowled in the World Cup in 2015, I got the ball swinging around and bowling with good pace. So it is something I’ve tried to find a way to get back to. There weren’t any big differences or big changes I had to make, but little things I’ve been doing in the last few weeks seem to have found a bit more swing I think.”Getty ImagesFor all the work he had done, Starc acknowledged that gaining swing can also be something of a mystery in terms of its consistency. He is now hopeful, however, that the sort of curve witnessed in Adelaide can be sustained through the remainder of the summer.”I’ve been sort of tweaking a few things and trying a few different things with David Saker, looking at perhaps how I bowled in 2015 throughout that World Cup and trying to perhaps get over my front leg a bit more. Little things have worked and hopefully the swing that I’ve got the last couple of weeks hangs around for the summer,” he said. “There’s little things I’ve tried over the last little while that have worked for little periods. This one seems to be working for a bit longer, I had it going nicely in the nets the other day and it’s worked again today.”Just little changes and little cues I used to have that I probably went away from or unknowingly went away from. But it’s nice to see the ball moving around and I think we’ve all been preparing brilliantly for this Test series with a little period off after the [previous] Shield game. Between the batters and bowlers our preparation’s been fantastic, so it’s one good day out of a long series, so hopefully personally I can keep swinging the ball around and being that bit more consistent than I have been in the past.”Assessing the day as a whole, Starc reasoned that the Austrlaians had been very close to their best for the first four hours of play, before flagging somewhat after tea on what was an oppressively hot day. “I think we’ve planned and prepared really well for this week and had a lot of vision to look at, and how India have played in the past,” he said. “They did go quite hard but we bowled exceptionally well for the first four hours, especially when the ball got soft and stopped moving around, the scoreboard never got away from us.”I thought we bowled really well for four hours, probably pretty well for another hour and probably got it a bit wrong at the end there. [Cheteshwar] Pujara batted a lot of time, he’s someone who likes to absorb pressure and bat a long time, and credit to him he scored a fantastic hundred today. I think if you asked us at the start of the day if we’d take losing the toss and [India] being 9 for 250 at stumps I think we’d bite your arm off.”As for the stunning one-handed catch claimed by Usman Khawaja to claim Virat Kohli in Pat Cummins’ first over of the day, Starc noted how much the Queensland captain had worked on his fitness and agility in 2018. “Usman Khawaja 3.0 isn’t it?” Starc quipped. “No he’s on fire, he’s made a huge effort over the last nine months and it’s showing in his batting and now it’s showing in his fielding. A great catch and probably one he’ll keep bringing up now as well, so a great effort from him.”

A Tottenham player is reportedly "more willing" to leave Spurs in the January transfer window as offers start to come in for him from abroad.

Spurs exits which could happen in 2024

Ange Postecoglou's arrival in north London over the summer has resulted in a major shake up of the Lilywhites starting eleven, with the team looking scarcely recognisable from the days of Antonio Conte. The likes of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr have seen their Tottenham careers transform under Postecoglou, as both become mainstays after barely getting a look-in last season.

Player "free to leave" after Tottenham board green-light exit

A decision has been made.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 23, 2023

However, the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris have seen their Premier League game time greatly suffer. While Hojbjerg has been used fairly often, the Dane has had to settle for more of a bit-part role compared to 2022/2023, most often coming off the bench before Spurs' recent injury and suspension crisis.

Dier only played his first minutes of the season just over two weeks ago during a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea, with Micky van de Ven being taken off due to a hamstring injury. Once the Dutchman returns to partner Cristian Romero, and James Maddison comes back from his own ankle problem, it's highly likely Dier and Hojbjerg will see their minutes limited again. The pair, as a result, could well leave Spurs in January.

It's believed Tanguy Ndombele looks set to leave Spurs permanently in the summer as well, and another player to be linked with a move away is 2022 summer signing Richarlison.

Richarlison "more willing" to leave Spurs

The Brazilian, who has often been criticised since joining from Everton for around £60 million, is apparently attracting offers from Saudi Arabia. Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are continuing their splurge on elite European players and Richarlison is apparently seen as a prime candidate to make a Middle Eastern move.

According to UOL, Richarlison is "more willing" to accept a Spurs exit offer with his role under Postecoglou slightly more bit-part than other stars in the squad.

This is despite Tottenham's manager calling him "fantastic", having expressed his admiration for the forward at points this season while backing him to do a job. While it has been a difficult time for him in north London overall, with Richarlison currently out through injury and previously admitting that he'll seek "psychological help", there have been flashes of brilliance.

The South American's best heroics came in a recent 2-1 win over Sheffield United, where he was introduced off the bench to provide a last-gasp goal and assist to clinch Spurs a crucial three points.

Pundit Frank McAvennie, speaking to Football Insider last season, also called Richarlison a "great talent".

“He has showed what he can do but I think he has got to do it more. Players with talent like that have got to be doing it more. That is what Conte will be wanting," said McAvennie when commenting on an injury he suffered in 2022.

“He is a great talent and he needed a couple of weeks off anyway.“

Liverpool will inevitably target new additions in 2024, having impressed thus far during the 2023/24 season after an industrial midfield rebuild in the summer, though still not quite at full throttle.

Jurgen Klopp's side's midfield issues were exposed against Luton Town last weekend, with a lack of specialist defensive options inhibiting a possible title charge, while Andy Robertson's injury several weeks ago has underscored the need for left-sided reinforcements on the backline.

The frontline is in better shape, but could still welcome some exciting young talent to enrich the ranks and maintain Liverpool's attacking fluency across multiple fronts, and a rising star appears to have been earmarked.

Liverpool transfer news – Assane Diao

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Real Betis winger Assane Diao is on Liverpool's radar after an impressive start to the season in LaLiga, though the Reds will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United.

The report mentions that the listed suitors have all made separate approaches over the past weeks, with Diao having 'dazzled' the Betis supporters with his electric displays.

Aged just 18, the Spain U21 international is reported to have a €30m (£26m) release clause embedded into his contract, with manager Manuel Pellegrini actively seeking to tie up fresh terms that will elevate that amount to €40m (£35m).

Assane Diao's style of play

Joining the Real Betis academy from Cadiz in 2021, Diao was originally slated for a central midfield role but maintained a level of attacking prowess that simply couldn't go unnoticed, prompting a move toward the left channel.

Having now scored four goals across his first ten professional appearances with his Spanish side, Diao is proving that decision right, possessing a natural eye for goal that has alerted the prestigious English clubs. Indeed, in total this term he has already found the net six times.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 23% for successful take-ons, the top 18% for tackles, the top 11% for interceptions, the top 1% for blocks and the top 6% for aerial wins per 90.

So what does this mean? Diao's natural predatory instinct is highlighted, striking at an age-belying rate so far, and while his goalscoring steals the headlines, he is progressive and tenacious in his application across the park.

Such skills could be a welcome addition to Liverpool's attacking options, with Luis Diaz certainly of a similar mould in his barrelling, breakneck motions toward the byline, having scored four goals from nine starts this term to emphasise his effectiveness.

With his shooting skills, Diao could benefit immensely from a dynamic centre-forward such as Darwin Nunez beside him in the frontline, with the Uruguayan striker hailed as an “agent of chaos” by journalist Theo Squires for the kaleidoscope of offensive tools he brings to the table.

Having posted seven goals and four assists already this season, Nunez ranks among the top 11% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his surging skills.

The £140k-per-week star is a dream for a rising talent of Diao's ilk to play alongside, and would only serve to enhance his skills on Merseyside.

Diao has been described as "sharp" and "intelligent" by journalist Josh Bunting and certainly looks to be a prospect worth investing in; given the riches Klopp possesses in an attacking regard already, he would find the perfect platform to continue his development at Anfield.

علق محمد بركات عضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة على فوز منتخب مصر الأولمبي أمام منافسه العراق في المواجهة الودية التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم استعدادًا لخوض أولمبياد باريس 2024.

وفاز منتخب مصر على نظيره العراق بنتيجة 2-1 في ختام المباريات الودية خلال معسكره المقام بفرنسا قبل مشاركته في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024.

طالع | منتخب مصر الأولمبي يهزم العراق بثنائية في ختام الاستعدادات لـ أولمبياد باريس

وقال بركات في تصريحات صحفية عقب المباراة: “الفوز في مباراة اليوم كان مهمًا جدًا باعتبارها التجربة الأخيرة قبل المنافسات الرسمية، وسعيد بالنتيجة والأداء حيث كان الأداء الفني والبدني أفضل من لقاء أوكرانيا”.

وتابع: “ذلك يأتي في ظل تألق جميع اللاعبين خلال مباراة اليوم، وسعيد بمستوى النني وزيزو في ظل انسجامهما السريع مع الفريق”.

وأكمل: “منتخب مصر الأولمبي كان على قدر المسئولية وأشيد بتألق جميع اللاعبين، ونتمنى التوفيق في البطولة ودعم الجماهير المصرية من أجل إسعاد الجمهور بتحقيق الحلم الأولمبي”.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told they've got a gem in their squad with "world-class potential", with speed "never seen" from a player in his position.

Spurs form under Ange Postecoglou

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is now an English top flight record-holder. Indeed, following the Lilywhites' 2-0 home win over Fulham on Monday, the Australian has now overseen the best ever start made by a new manager in the Premier League; guiding Tottenham to seven league wins out of a possible nine while remaining unbeaten. It's been truly remarkable considering they lost star striker and all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window, with a few players in particular now shining under Postecoglou's tutelage.

Son Heung-min and summer signing James Maddison, as displayed by their latest heroics against Fulham, have formed a deadly partnership going forward. The former is now rediscovering the kind of form which saw him share the 2022 Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah, while the latter is proving one of football's biggest bargains this year.

Both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are also starring at the heart of Postecoglou's defence, with former Spurs striker Mido recently admitting he's been shocked by the Dutchman's form.

“I understand the idea of Ange [Postecoglou] that he wants a left-footed centre-back to start from the back and to have a better angle to see the whole of the pitch playing the ball between the lines and the diagonals," said Mido to talkSPORT.

"But defensively, I was really worried that this guy would struggle in the Premier League. I know in the Premier League that you always play against big guys up front and the likes of [Erling] Haaland and [Ivan] Toney, all the big guys, it’s very difficult to defend. It’s not like the Dutch league, it’s different, it could be a shock for him. But to be honest to the lad, he’s been brilliant."

Micky van de Ven news

Like Maddison, the 22-year-old gem is proving one of the summer window's best buys thus far, especially given Spurs chairman Daniel Levy paid just £43 million to prise him away from Wolfsburg. The Dutchman suits Postecoglou's free-flowing, attack-minded system as a pacy, assured and ball-playing defender.

Now, former head of Ajax talent development Ruben Jongkid has joined in on the praise for Van de Ven; revealing how the player's potential was first spotted long ago while overseeing his development at Dutch second tier side Voldendam. Speaking to inews, the coach insisted that Spurs have a player with "world-class potential" and "never seen" speed for a defender. Jongkid, going one step further, suggested that he is even better than Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

“His athletic ability and speed, I’ve never seen that for a centre-back or defender,” said Jongkid.“This is world-class potential so don’t come with €1.5m when [Alessandro] Bastoni [Inter’s left-footed centre-back who Spurs targeted last year] who probably has less talent already went for €31m."It will be interesting to see how van de Ven grows as a Tottenham player, but it's safe to say he's made the best possible start.

Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has been banned for two matches by La Liga following his red card against Valencia.

• Madrid's Bellingham hit with ban
• Suspended for next two games
• Sanctioned for red card against Valencia

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham is set for another spell on the sidelines for Real Madrid after being handed a two-match ban. The Real Madrid superstar has been sanctioned for his red card against Valencia in a controversial 2-2 draw. The England international was sent off in stoppage time for dissent after arguing with referee Gil Manzano. Bellingham thought he had scored a winner when he headed home but the referee had already blown for full time.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIG PICTURE

  While Bellingham's absence is a blow for Madrid, they are seven points clear at the top of La Liga and are in pole position to reach the quarter finals of the Champions League – after winning the first leg 1-0 against RB Leipzig.

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The England international has scored 20 goals and bagged eight assists in all competitions this season for Madrid after signing for an initial £87 million ($107.4m) from Borussia Dortmund last summer. That fee could rise to £108m ($133m).

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  While Bellingham will miss Madrid's next two league games against Celta Vigo and Osasuna on March 10 and March 16 respectively, but he will be available for their last 16 Champions League clash at home to RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.

Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour, who works as a pundit for talkSPORT, has suggested that one star could join Tottenham in future seasons.

Who have Tottenham signed 2023?

High-flying Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was significantly backed over the 2023 summer transfer window, as his new club brought in seven major signings in total. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, assured defender Micky van de Ven, England midfield star James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon, exciting striker Alejo Veliz and Wales forward Brennan Johnson all signed for Spurs before deadline day, with a few already justifying their price tags.

Maddison, who put pen to paper on a £40 million move from Championship side Leicester City, has gone on to dazzle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium whilst becoming a real fan favourite. His two goals and two assists in the Premier League highlight his real impact; while there is an argument to be made that Spurs had been missing a player of his ilk since the departure of Christian Eriksen in 2020.

Meanwhile, defender van de Ven has stood out among Postecoglou's most reliable performers as an assured partner to fellow centre-back Cristian Romero. In part, there contribution has resulted in Spurs tasting victory in four out of their opening six league games; all while maintaining an impressive unbeaten streak.

Wins over Bournemouth, Man United, Burnley and Sheffield United have highlighted Tottenham's imperiousness so far under Postecoglou, with 2-2 draws at Brentford and Arsenal demonstrating their ability to battle their way back from deficits.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

Regardless, there is room for improvement in terms of squad depth, as the club did attempt to sign another defensive option but faltered in a late summer move for Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly. Reports suggest they could go back in for the Englishman this winter, alongside fellow rumoured transfer target Gleison Bremer.

A new striker to replace Harry Kane has also been mentioned for the new year, as Brentford's Ivan Toney has emerged as a possible option for Spurs recently. Kane's departure over the summer window was viewed as a significant blow for Postecoglou and Spurs, with the 6 foot 2 striker now really impressing at new club Bayern Munich.

However, Parlour says Kane will have his eye on Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League goalscoring record and could well make a return to England – which would give hope for Spurs given they've got a buy-back clause and first option to sign him in future.

Indeed, both Man United and Spurs have reason to believe a future move may be possible, as Parlour said to TEAMtalk this week:

“I know there’s a lower division, but you know he could play at a good standard in the Premier League. So, I think Harry will [return].

“If it all goes well for Bayern Munich and they can win a few trophies, Harry will be delighted. And the Champions League is obviously the one from Bayern Munich’s point of view. Again, I’m sure he would come back at a certain time.

“But I’m sure he will look at that record ]Shearer's] and say it’s still there to be beaten, and If I can get a few good years in Germany, win a few trophies, who knows, I could come back and still win that the record off Shearer, which would be an amazing achievement to have the Premier League record and England record. After a few trophies in Germany, that would probably be the icing on the cake for his career!”