Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has given updates on injuries to Mary Earps and Niamh Charles as England prepare for two crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers.
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Calf issue ruled Charles out of last England camp
While Earps limped off in defeat to France
Wiegman updates on both before crucial qualifiers
WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea star Charles was unable to feature in either of the Lionesses' games against France in the last international break due to a calf problem while Earps picked up a hip injury just minutes into the first of those two matches, cruelly and prematurely ending her 50th appearance for her country.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Though Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Kayla Rendell have been unable to join up with the England squad this week before games against Ireland and Sweden, continuing their respective rehab programmes with club, Charles and Earps have been able to join this camp and Wiegman has elaborated on the parts they will be able to play.
WHAT WIEGMAN SAID
Speaking in her press conference on Thursday, the England coach said "everyone’s in a good place" when discussing the fitness of the squad. When asked if there are no concerns over Earps and Charles then, Wiegman replied: "No, no concerns but coming from where especially Niamh comes, we know she can’t play two games of 90 minutes."
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DID YOU KNOW?
England go into this international break knowing that two wins will secure automatic qualification for next summer's Euros, at which they will be the defending champions. If they fall short, playoffs will beckon in the final few months of 2024.
Whilst much of the focus is centred around David Moyes' West Ham United future, the Hammers could be set to face an additional blow with one player's future at the club now in doubt.
West Ham transfer news
As things stand, Moyes' current contract is set to expire this summer, leaving West Ham scrambling for replacements. So far, reports have seen the Hammers linked with the likes of Gary O'Neil and Steve Cooper. O'Neil, currently in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has taken the Midlands club from a side in fear of relegation to a side now competing in the Premier League's top half.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
Cooper, meanwhile, has been without a job since his Nottingham Forest sacking earlier this season. After keeping them up in their first season back in the Premier League, Cooper failed to kick on, but could now have the opportunity at redemption in the form of the West Ham job.
If Moyes does depart, West Ham's transfer picture will become far clearer on the incoming front when the next manager takes up the hot seat. On the departure front, however, the rumour mill has already started, with one player's future now in doubt at the London club.
According to Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, Flynn Downes could yet leave West Ham this summer after an impressive loan spell at Southampton. The central midfielder only joined West Ham in 2022 for a reported £12m, but may now be heading for the exit door just two years later.
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Moyes, if still in charge, will be well aware of the potential exit blow, having praised Downes' progress whilst at Southampton in a recent press conference. The manager said via The Athletic: "We’ve been watching Flynn and he’s playing in a good, successful team.
"We paid £12million for him and if you look at the boy (Adam Wharton) who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £18m, sometimes you think it might be good value in the end. For Flynn, it would’ve been hard for him to get game time this season, but I’m really pleased he’s doing well at Southampton.”
"Brilliant" Flynn has earned a permanent move
Whilst out on loan at Southampton, Flynn has done exactly what's needed to earn a permanent move this summer, perhaps to the frustration of West Ham. If the Saints go up, he could quickly become their first signing. As things stand in the Championship, Southampton sit fourth and five points adrift of Ipswich Town in the final automatic promotion spot, meaning that anything is still possible.
What's more, manager Russell Martin is certainly a fan, saying via The Athletic: “He is a big player for us, he is important. He’s a brilliant character, he’s a winner, someone who’s aggressive and a brilliant athlete too.”
So, with that said, when the transfer window swings open, West Ham and potentially their new manager could face an instant battle to avoid a frustrating exit. The last thing those at the London Stadium will want, however, is to lose money on Downes, having spent £12m for his signature just two years ago.
Despite sitting pretty in second spot in League One currently, Derby County's woes up top are still yet to be sorted out.
Paul Warne had to start Nathaniel Mendez-Laing up top in his side's narrow 1-0 win over Stevenage at the weekend, the more naturally suited winger slotting into the side as a makeshift striker owing to growing injury issues in the centre-forward ranks at Pride Park.
On top of 18-goal star James Collins being sidelined through injury, the Rams are also without the likes of Martyn Waghorn and Conor Washington with Warne reportedly pushing for a deal to be struck with free-agent striker Dwight Gayle to add more numbers to the depleted position for Derby.
Yet, if the Rams had just been more proactive in the transfer window, they could well have landed this exciting Gayle alternative with the player in question standing out now for one of Derby's fierce promotion rivals.
When Derby wanted to sign Callum Lang
Derby were once in the race to sign former Wigan Athletic attacker Callum Lang last month, with Portsmouth unfortunately coming up trumps as the winners for Lang's signature over Warne's side.
Unable to sign both Lee Gregory and Michael Smith as well, it was a subdued window in truth for the promotion seekers especially when it came to bolstering their centre-forward spots.
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Able to play down the wing and as a second striker too, Lang's signature would really have strengthened the Rams and helped plug gaps in a number of problem areas with injuries piling up.
Whereas, as much as Gayle has been a prolific EFL sharpshooter over his extensive career, there's no guarantee he will set the world alight at Pride Park if signed after a barren time at his last employers in Stoke City.
On the contrary, the former Wigan man has hit the ground running almost immediately at Fratton Park to help Pompey push away from Derby in second place.
Callum Lang against Sunderland for Wigan Athletic.
Lang's numbers with Portsmouth so far
Lang might well not boast the same reputation Gayle has for being an out-and-out goal-getter, but the 25-year-old has become an instant fan's favourite on the South Coast for his assuredness in front of goal all the same.
Three of Lang's five goals this campaign in League One have come from donning a Pompey strip, the £5.4k per week attacker bagging those strikes over a mini five-game purple patch recently.
One of those strikes came in this weekend's emphatic 4-1 win over Reading, with the former Latics forward also winning four duels along the way to help his side cruise to victory.
In stark contrast, Gayle managed to net just three goals for Stoke over a pitiful total of 50 games to showcase the 34-year-old's lack of a clinical edge as his career inevitably begins to peter out.
The ex-Newcastle man's ruthlessness in front of goal could be uncovered again making the drop down to the third tier however, but Derby will still be left rueing their decision to not go after Lang with more purpose.
The 25-year-old's current heroics for Pompey could see John Mousinho's strong South Coasters leave Derby in the dust when it comes to the hunt for the third-tier title, with the Rams potentially running out of steam amidst even more potential injuries owing to Gayle's own injury proneness, missing as many as 156 days in 2019/20.
Dwight Gayle for Newcastle.
Warne will just want to put any failure to land Lang to one side for the time being however, eager to get Gayle in through the door now to at least have another striker option he can call upon in the short term.
Liverpool maintained their place at the top of the Premier League table this weekend as they secured a 3-1 win over Burnley at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds are now two points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, who briefly overtook them earlier in the day, but have played one more game than Pep Guardiola's side.
There was a historic moment for a certain Reds player during the first half as Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded his 58th Premier League assist, with a brilliant corner for Diogo Jota's goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
58
Andy Robertson
57
Leighton Baines
53
Graeme Le Saux
44
Antonio Valencia
39
Stats via Premier League
As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool academy graduate has now provided more assists than any other defender in the history of the division – one more than teammate Andy Robertson, who could still overtake him before the end of their respective careers.
It was a great moment for Alexander-Arnold and for the Reds as one of their academy products has gone on to become a star in the Premier League.
Most valuable former Liverpool academy prospects
However, Liverpool have not always made the most of the talent that has been within their academy system as one of the most valuable former players never went on to make a first-team appearance for the club.
Alexander-Arnold, as per Transfermarkt, is the most valuable ex-academy gem for Liverpool at €70m (£59.7m), and current Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon is second with a value of €50m (£42.6m).
That is slightly lower, though, than his actual value as the Magpies snapped him up from fellow Premier League side Everton in a £45m deal in January 2023.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool
£59.7m
Anthony Gordon
Newcastle
£42.6m
Raheem Sterling
Chelsea
£38m
Curtis Jones
Liverpool
£25.6m
Harvey Elliott
Liverpool
£25.6m
Jack Harrison
Everton (on loan from Leeds)
£18.7m
Valuations per Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Liverpool have produced a number of highly-valued young players in recent years who are currently flying high in the Premier League.
Gordon, however, is one they may feel got away from them as they decided to release him at a young age, and he has since gone on to shine for Everton and Newcastle in the top-flight.
TalkSPORT previously reported that the winger had been let go by the Reds at the age of 11, which allowed the Toffees to snap him up for their academy.
Of course, it would be incredibly harsh to blame anyone at the club for that decision as there is no telling how a player will develop and go on to improve or change at the age of 11.
However, there may be a sense of 'what if?' as the 22-year-old forward would be an upgrade on current Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz, based on their respective performances so far in the Premier League this season.
Luis Diaz's season in numbers
The Colombia international, who scored the team's second goal in the 3-1 win over Burnley on Saturday, has been a solid, if unspectacular, performer for the Reds so far this season.
Diaz produced four goals and two assists in 17 games in the top-flight throughout the 2022/23 campaign, and is yet to really kick on from that return in front of goal.
The 27-year-old whiz has made 23 appearances in the Premier League so far this season and scored five goals from an xG of 5.56, which suggests that he is slightly underperforming as a finisher.
Luis Diaz.
He has also only provided two assists and created one 'big chance' for his teammates in those 23 matches. In fact, the Reds gem ranks within the bottom 11% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for Expected Assisted Goals (0.11) per 90.
These statistics suggest that the former Porto star has not provided outstanding quality as either a scorer or a creator of goals for Jurgen Klopp on the left flank, with average finishing and below-average creativity.
Meanwhile, Gordon has outperformed him on both fronts for Newcastle under Eddie Howe this season, having joined the Magpies from Everton in January of last year.
Anthony Gordon's brilliance this season
The England U21 international has found his feet in Tyneside and has established himself as one of their stars with his sublime displays in the league this term.
Gordon managed four goals and zero assists in 32 Premier League matches for Newcastle and Everton combined throughout the 2022/23 campaign, which made the £45m fee spent on his services look slightly questionable.
However, the 22-year-old whiz, who is five years younger than Diaz, has taken his game to the next level under Howe this season, and is showing his quality week-in-week-out as a sensation in the division.
Appearances
23
23
xG
6.33
5.56
Goals
Seven
Five
Big chances created
Ten
One
xA
3.18
2.04
Assists
Five
Two
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Gordon has provided his team with more end product than the Liverpool winger in the final third with more goals, more assists, more big chances created, and more xA.
He has also been more ruthless in front of goal in comparison to Diaz as the English magician has overperformed his xG for Newcastle so far.
Anthony Gordon.
The Magpies starlet, who was once described as "electric" by journalist Keith Downie, only racked up seven goals and eight assists in 78 matches for Everton but has gone on to find consistency at the top end of the pitch at St. James' Park.
His output this season suggests that he would be an upgrade on Diaz – not to say that he is a bad player by any stretch – in the current Liverpool team, due to his superior quality as a finisher and a creator from the left flank, and that is why the Reds fumbled when they released him for £0 at the age of 11.
As aforementioned, it would be incredibly harsh to criticise the club for what now appears to be a mistake, due to how early into his academy career it was, but it is interesting to imagine what could have happened if they kept faith in the talented whiz.
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has explained why he's wanted a "real talent" at Spurs for years, and has tipped the player for a Euro 2024 trip.
Spurs chasing top-four Premier League finish
While manager Ange Postecoglou's hopes of winning Spurs their first piece of major silverware since 2008 ended with a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Man City recently, there is still every chance the Lilywhites can seal a top-four finish and qualify for next season's Champions League.
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Ange Postecoglou is starting to build a team of real potential.
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It's been quite a promising start to life for Postecoglou after his arrival from Celtic last summer, with the Australian's intense, high-pressing football quickly winning over many of Tottenham's loyal fan base.
Spurs also appear to be operating more efficiently off the field, as the appointments of technical director Johan Lange and Chief Football Officer Scott Munn continue to work wonders in regard to their transfer policy.
Timo Werner
Arrival (loan)
Lucas Bergvall
Arrival (buy-to-loan-back)
Radu Dragusin
Arrival (permanent)
Sergio Reguilon
Exit (loan)
Japhet Tanganga
Exit (loan)
Ivan Perisic
Exit (loan)
Eric Dier
Exit (loan)
Ashley Phillips
Exit (loan)
Djed Spence
Exit (loan)
Alejo Veliz
Exit (loan)
The north Londoners were widely rumoured to have beaten European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Barcelona in races for defender Radu Dragusin and Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall respectively, which perhaps sums up their growing stature as a club in general.
Tottenham are on the up, and Postecoglou's feel-good factor has played a huge role.
Another key component of their success has been Spurs' data-driven recruitment model, with 2023 summer signing James Maddison coming in to become one of their star players.
jacob-ramsey-james-maddison-spurs
The former Leicester City man has also returned from an injury lay-off and boosts Postecoglou's top-four charge, with Hoddle tipping him for a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad at Euro 2024.
Hoddle reveals he's wanted Maddison at Spurs "for years"
Speaking to TNT Sports, Hoddle says he's wanted Maddison at Spurs "for years" and believes the "real talent" will have a big role to play at Tottenham.
“100% he’s good enough, yeah," said Hoddle on Maddison's England chances.
“I’ve said for years that he should have come to Tottenham, two or three seasons ago. If we could have got him with the players we had, with someone like Harry Kane, it would have been sensational.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison applauding supporters.
“And I just think at the moment he’s one of the best No. 10 creative players around. Him and [Phil] Foden are outstanding.
“He’s such a talented lad. He doesn’t quite feel for me as comfortable in an England shirt yet. It doesn’t feel really as if the manager has put his arm around him, saying 'you’re my man'.
“He keeps having to prove himself, [and we] might not see the best of him in that case. But here at Tottenham, and what he did at Leicester, he’s a must, he’s a real talent.”
Jesse Lingard looks set to return to action for FC Seoul just over a month after having a knee operation.
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Lingard joined Seoul in early 2024
Underwent knee surgery in April
Ex-Man Utd man set for injury return
WHAT HAPPENED?
Lingard, who made a shock move to Seoul in February, underwent surgery on his meniscus in his knee last month but it seems the 31-year-old is already back in contention to play for the South Korean side this weekend.
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WHAT JESSE LINGARD SAID
In an Instagram post, the former Manchester United and West Ham player uploaded several photos of him back in training and wrote: "Ready for the game tomorrow ⚡️⚡️⚡️🚀🚀🚀 @fcseoul."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite finally ending his lengthy spell without a club, following his release by Nottingham Forest nearly a year ago, Lingard has been repeatedly criticised by FC Seoul boss Kim Gi-dong. The ex-West Ham loanee has been called out for his lack of effort and to date he has played just three times for the K League 1 side. The England international will hope he can turn things around quickly.
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WHAT NEXT?
Seoul, who sit eighth in the league after 12 matches, host second from bottom Daegu on Sunday. Lingard will hope to get some game time in this upcoming encounter.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the market to boost their squad depth in January and Gary O'Neil is now said to be targeting a player with previous experience of playing in England, according to a report.
Wolverhampton Wanderers look to January…
Despite being hamstrung in the summer by Financial Fair Play restrictions that led to the eventual departure of former boss Julen Lopetegui, Wolves were able to get some late business over the line to ensure an element of freshness was present in their squad heading into the first half of the campaign.
Nevertheless, January could be a busy month for the Old Gold in the market as O'Neil looks to ensure his side's healthy buffer between themselves and the relegation zone remains intact. Last week, The Telegraph reported that a striker and a winger will take precedence regarding incomings at Molineux, with Viktoria Plzen attacker Rafiu Durosinmi believed to be a target that could cost in the region of £7 million.
Meanwhile, outcast Fabio Silva, fellow striking option Sasa Kalajdzic and experienced defender Jonny Otto could leave the club in the same month following limited game time this season.
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Information regarding the former's potential next move has come to light, with TEAMtalk reporting that Silva is attracting interest from north of the border from Celtic and Rangers, who would both be keen on sanctioning a loan deal for the out-of-favour striker in January.
Any deal to take Silva to either of Glasgow's big two would hinge on a percentage of his £80,000 per week wages being covered, though he is keen to ensure his development is furthered by playing regularly in the second half of 2023/24. Now, Wolves could be set to target a defensive reinforcement as O'Neil courts squad depth once the January transfer window opens for business.
Wolves want Bright Osayi-Samuel
According to TEAMtalk, Wolves have seemingly made contact by expressing their interest over a move to sign Fenerbache right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, although he is also on the radar of Leeds United and Crystal Palace, with the Eagles the team leading the way at this moment in time.
Five similar players to Bright Osayi-Samuel (FBRef)
Player
Club
Jamal Lewis
Watford
Miguel
Andorra
Mohamed Farsi
Columbus Crew
Jose Salinas
Elche
Said Bakari
Sparta Rotterdam
The Nigeria international would be attracted to the possibility of returning to England, this time in the Premier League, after spending two years in Turkey following his previous spell on British shores with Queens Park Rangers. Out of contract in 2025, the 25-year-old could also be available for a modest fee if he fails to agree new terms with Fenerbache.
Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Labelled "dangerous" by former manager Mark Warburton, Osayi-Samuel has registered two goals and four assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this term (Osayi-Samuel statistics – Transfermarkt).
Wolves have a fairly thin squad due to their recruitment issues in the summer, with only two senior right-back options, so bringing in the Okija-born man could help to add defensive solidity and attacking prowess on the right-hand side of O'Neil's backline.
Chennai Super Kings’ seam attack has been depleted further, with their designated death bowler Dwayne Bravo sidelined from the IPL for two weeks with a hamstring strain. Bravo sustained the injury during Super Kings’ first loss of the season, against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 3.Super Kings had already lost Lungi Ngidi (injury) and David Willey (personal reasons) in the past couple of weeks. In the IPL, replacements can only be sought for players who are injured, which means Super Kings could not get anyone to fill in for Willey.Bravo had conceded 29 runs in the last over of Mumbai’s innings but against Rajasthan Royals last week, he nailed his variations and defended 11 off the last over to secure a tense win. Bravo also contributed with the bat in that game, providing Super Kings’ innings some late impetus with 27 off 16 balls.Michael Hussey, the Super Kings batting coach, conceded that Bravo’s injury will shake up the balance of the team. Hussey, though, backed New Zealand allrounder Scott Kuggeleijn, who was signed as Ngidi’s replacement, to come good.Kuggeleijn can hit the deck hard and is also a handy batsman lower down the order. More recently in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition, Kuggeleijn claimed 13 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 8.14 in Northern Districts’ run to the final. He is set to make his IPL bow against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday.”Obviously, he (Bravo) offers so much balance to the team and he’s a quality player, so it’s going to cause a little bit of rejigging of the team,” Hussey said. “But, I’m sure we will still be able to put together a very strong team and yes it’s a big loss for us, but we have had these challenges in the past and we’ve been able to overcome them. We’re hoping we can do that again.”Yes, definitely [Scott Kuggeleijn can fill the void]. I’m sure MS [Dhoni] and [Stephen] Fleming will look at Scott and assess his death-bowling skills.”Hussey also said that Super Kings have death-bowling options in Shardul Thakur and Mohit Sharma, but they haven’t been effective. They have economy rates in excess of 12 each at the death since last IPL. Bravo himself has leaked 11.90 runs an over at the death in the same period. Hussey also reckoned the spinners could do the job at the death on the helpful tracks at home.”We’ve got Shardul who has done a little bit of death bowling and Mohit can also bowl at the death,” he said. “It’s about assessing the conditions as well and see which bowlers are suitable to bowling in the latter overs and if it’s a real turning pitch, maybe one of the spinners can bowl at the end. There will be a lot of thinking about the best combination to get. It’s a key area of the game and we didn’t quite get it right against Mumbai and they scored a lot of runs in the last two or three overs. It’s an area we need to focus on and try to execute – it’s an important facet of the game.”
Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to end their recent poor run of form as they play host to Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.
Ange Postecoglou's side have failed to win any of their last five matches in the top-flight, despite taking a 1-0 lead in all five of them, and have set records in the process.
Spurs are the first side in Premier League history to pick up zero wins after going 1-0 up in five straight games, as well as being the first team to lose three successive home clashes after taking the lead in each of them.
It has been a woeful run of results for the club since they lost James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to their respective injuries against Chelsea, and Postecoglou must work to find a winning solution against the Magpies today.
Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by West Ham United last time out as the opening goal from Cristian Romero was followed up by second half goals from Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse to secure all three points for the away side.
Latest Spurs injury news
Ahead of today's clash with Newcastle, Postecoglou provided an injury update on his squad, which has been devastated by knocks in recent weeks.
Heung-min Son appeared in some discomfort after being substituted against the Hammers but the Australian tactician claimed that he was just a 'sore', which suggests that there is no major concern over his availability.
The former Celtic chief also revealed that Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr, who have recently returned from injury, came through the game without any issues.
jarrad-branthwaite-richarlison-tottenham-opinion
However, no players will be returning to the squad this afternoon and, in fact, none of the current crop of injured stars will be back in action this side of Christmas.
This means that the likes of van de Ven, Maddison, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, and Ryan Sessegnon may not feature again for the club before 2024.
With all of this in mind, Postecoglou must bring Sarr, who came off the bench last time out, in from the start ahead of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, as the young gem – who has previously been compared to Yaya Toure – could improve the team in possession.
Why Sarr is similar to Yaya Toure
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously lauded the central midfielder as a player with 9/10 potential and named the former Manchester City and Ivory Coast star as a similar type of number eight.
Kulig listed pace, passing, long shots, and technique among some of the former Metz prospect's best attributes and claimed that he had an "exciting" future ahead.
Tottenham midfielder Pape Sarr.
Toure was a powerful midfielder who was able to drive forward from the middle of the park to influence games at the top end of the pitch. He managed 79 goals and 49 assists in 316 matches in all competitions during his time with Manchester City.
The impressive whiz averaged 1.1 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game across his career as the ex-Barcelona man showcased his ability to consistently make things happen in possession.
Pape Matar Sarr's season in numbers
Postecoglou has placed his faith in Sarr so far this season and the Senegal international is starting to live up to Kulig's hype with Toure-esque, albeit he still has a long way to go to reach his levels on a consistent basis, performances.
The 21-year-old dynamo has averaged 3.01 shot-creating actions and 1.94 progressive carries per 90 during the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
This shows that, like Toure, Sarr is a midfielder who can create opportunities for his teammates through his passes whilst he is also able to drive forward by carrying the ball up the pitch in transition.
The Spurs youngster also ranks within the top 12% of his positional peers in the division for progressive passes (7.42) per 90 and is in the top 23% for assists (0.22) per 90.
Pascal Gross
5
Douglas Luiz
4
Joelinton
3
Rodri
2
Enzo Fernandez
1
These statistics suggest that the ex-Metz ace, who has completed 90% of his attempted passes across 13 top-flight matches, is a fantastic progressive option for Postecoglou in midfield.
Sarr – once dubbed a "wonderful" player by Kulig – has the quality to progress his team up the pitch, either through passes or carries, to create chances – directly or indirectly – for others to test the opposition goalkeeper.
Whereas, Hojbjerg is not as direct and creative in that position and, perhaps, limits what Tottenham are able to do in possession when he is in the team.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's season in numbers
The Denmark international is not as effective on the ball as his 21-year-old teammate and, therefore, is not able to influence games as regularly for Spurs.
He is a defensive-minded option who does not provide as much progression in his play, which is why Sarr should start ahead of him this afternoon.
Tottenham failed to press on and find a second goal against West Ham on Thursday night and they may have been able to create more with the Senegal international on the pitch before the 84th minute.
Hojbjerg had 109 touches of the ball and attempted 100 passes in midfield against the Hammers. Yet, the central midfielder did not create a single chance for his teammates.
This shows that the experienced battler did not use the ball well enough to get at the West Ham defence in order to go and finish the game off at 1-0.
Spurs now want to replace Hojbjerg by signing Brazil international
The Lilywhites are apparently still willing to offload.
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The former Southampton ace has averaged 6.90 progressive passes and 1.46 progressive carries per 90 over the last 365 days in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions.
He has also averaged 0.1 key passes per game and is yet to record a single 'big chance' created or assist for his side in 14 Premier League appearances this term.
Whereas, Sarr has averaged 0.9 key passes per match and produced two assists in his 13 top-flight outings for Tottenham this season.
Postecoglou, therefore, must now unleash his own version of Yaya Toure by bringing the 6 foot 1 whiz into the starting line-up to provide quality and drive in possession, which Hojbjerg has been unable to offer.
Tim Weah made his return to Juventus' starting XI as the Old Lady came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Cagliari.
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Weah returns to starting XI
McKennie comes off bench
Juve overcome two-goal deficit
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Juventus entered the match struggling a bit, and it didn't take long for Cagliari to not only score but pile on the misery with a second.
The hosts were given two penalties within six minutes, with Gianluca Gaetano netting the first in the 30th minute. Former Everton defender Yerry Mina was called upon to take the second of those penalties in the 36th minute and he, too, made no mistake as he handed Cagliari a 2-0 lead.
Dusan Vlahovic was able to pull one back from a free kick in the 61st minute, though, giving Juventus a bit of hope. And that hope paid off late, as an own goal from Alberto Dossena earned Juve a split of the points.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The draw was nice given the circumstances, but it also continues a rough run for Juventus, who could tumble down the Serie A table if the club doesn't find a way to turn things around.
The Old Lady have won just two of their last 11 Serie A games dating back to January 21, leaving them a distant third in the league. Milan are five points ahead in second with a game in hand, while league-leaders Inter have a 19-point lead on Juve with one more game to play as well.
More concerning for Juve, though, is the top-four race. They have just a five-point lead on fourth-place Bologna, who have a game to play this weekend. Roma are in fifth with two more games to play, and they sit nine points back.
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USMNT IMPACT
Weah was handed a rare start for Juventus as he was named to the starting XI for the first time since February 12 and the third time since the start of 2024.
It was a solid but not spectacular day for Weah, who took back a spot at right wingback. Weah has largely served as Andrea Cambiasso's backup in that spot this season, but the Italian was shifted to the left in place of Filip Kostic on Friday.
Weah lasted 68 minutes before being replaced by McKennie, who was given a bit of a rest on Friday. McKennie has proven himself to be one of Juve's most important players, and his introduction certainly added a bit of life to the attack as the Old Lady pushed for their eventual equalizer.
Both Weah and McKennie remain vital starters for the USMNT with both almost certain to be key contributors at this summer's Copa America.
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GOAL'S RATINGS
Tim Weah (6/10):
Had one decent look on goal and did his job defensively. Could have offered a bit more in the attacking end but, overall, a decent showing.
Weston McKennie (6/10):
Had a few good sequences and moved the ball well. Juve definitely looked better with McKennie on the field.