Tag: stats

Newcastle wanted Phil Foden, now Man City ace can finally shine in Kevin De Bruyne role

Kevin De Bruyne’s injury in the first Premier League game of the season is a huge blow for Man City.

The playmaker has been a driving force behind their success for so long, but they will have to do things without him.

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De Bruyne’s injury in the first Premier League game of the season was a bitter blowCredit: Getty

He is not likely to be available for City until next year after tearing his hamstring and may need surgery.

Now it might be time for Phil Foden to step up and shine like everyone knows he can.

Pep Guardiola usually rotates Foden on the left with Jack Grealish, but De Bruyne’s injury means he will be forced inside.

That will be put to the test on Saturday when Man City host Newcastle at the Etihad – with commentary live on talkSPORT.

Former Liverpool and Charlton midfielder Danny Murphy thinks it will be tough for Foden to step in and replace him.

He told talkSPORT: “It can happen to anyone at any time and it’s easy to blame the scheduling. The reality is they won the league without De Bruyne for the majority of the season a couple of years ago.

“They’ve got an amazing squad, but I would be amazed if they didn’t dip into the market anyway.

“They lost Mahrez, who got a large chunk of goals and assists, and they’ve only really brought in Kovacic in midfield.

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Foden will likely be called upon to step upCredit: Getty

“If you lose Mahrez and Gundogan’s creative element, which is high, I think you can do a few things.

“You can play Foden in that role, who is a different type [of player]. You could sign [Lucas] Paqueta too, but there’s no one in the world who has end product like [De Bruyne].”

A deal for West Ham star Paqueta is not close as things stand, but that could change.

But Foden has the backing of his Man City teammates to play in that De Bruyne role.

Rodri said: “He is a player who can play anywhere. I think he’s the best player we have in between the lines turning and facing the goal.

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Foden has already played 219 times for CityCredit: Getty

“When he plays there I like him very much, but when he plays as winger he’s very decisive and gets goals and assists.

“It’s up to the coach to decide where to put him, but he can play that role very easily because he’s so talented.”

Foden’s talent is undeniable and his ascension into the Man City first team has been carefully managed by Pep Guardiola.

Since his debut during the 2017/18 season, his game time slowly ramped up.

However, there was a suggestion that it might be beneficial for him to go out on loan to get some much needed first team experience.

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Foden is a five-time Premier League winner at just 23Credit: Getty

That idea was blocked by Guardiola, with one of those teams who reportedly tried to sign him being Newcastle in 2019.

The 23-year-old, yes he is still only 23, is already a five-time Premier League winner and can finally take the starring role we know he’s capable of… starting against the Magpies on Saturday.

You can hear Man City vs Newcastle live and exclusive on talkSPORT this Saturday at 8pm.

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August 19, 2023
From Lukaku to Mitrovic and star rivalling Mbappe – the strikers who could replace Kane

How do you replace 280 goals?

That is the question Tottenham face if Harry Kane decides to join Bayern Munich.

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Kane may have played his last match for TottenhamCredit: Getty

Spurs have accepted a bid worth £84.5million plus add-ons to sell their all-time leading goalscorer.

It is now down to Kane to decide his future after being offered a five-year deal by the German champions.

The 30-year-old is thought to be enjoying life under Ange Postecoglou and his exit is not yet guaranteed.

But Tottenham are resigned to selling him – and they have started looking for replacements.

Spurs already have Brazil’s first-choice No.9 in their ranks and despite Richarlison’s lack of goals last season, many expect him to thrive under Postecoglou after a promising pre-season.

Heung-min Son has also been known to do a job up front if needed and Tottenham recently signed striker Alejo Veliz from Rosario Central.

But with three days to go until the start of their Premier League season, they would need to spend some of that £84.5m to fill the hole that Kane leaves behind.

Here are the men who could replace him…

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Kane would leave a huge void at SpursCredit: Getty

Romelu Lukaku

A grand total of £288m has been spent on Lukaku by various clubs over the years and yet the Chelsea misfit finds himself without a place to call home ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The Blues did not even include Lukaku on their squad number list for the upcoming campaign.

Inter Milan do not want him anymore and Juventus fans recently staged a protest against signing him this summer.

Enter Spurs. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Tottenham will move to try and sign Lukaku from rivals Chelsea if Kane leaves.

It would likely be a tempting deal for the 30-year-old, who has no allegiance to the Blues and wants to stay in Europe, rather than go to Saudi Arabia.

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The striker spent last season with Inter MilanCredit: Getty

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Kane hasn’t been the only high-profile striker caught up in a transfer saga this summer.

Mitrovic was keen to end his six-season spell with Fulham this summer with a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia on the table.

Fulham blocked the move, to the fury of the striker, who is said to have told friends and family that he would never play for the Cottagers again.

The Serbia star did return to the squad for the pre-season friendly against Hoffenheim on Saturday and manager Marco Silva suggested he would stay after all.

However, reports claim Tottenham have sounded out the possibility of signing Mitrovic – and there could yet be another twist to the tale.

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It’s been suggested Mitrovic will go on strike as he looks to push through a move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP

Jonathan David

The Lille star remains one of the hottest properties in Europe after yet another excellent season in Ligue 1.

David bagged 24 goals in 37 league matches, with only Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe scoring more.

However, the 24-year-old is arguably the most expensive option Spurs have been linked with.

Lille president Olivier Letang recently claimed it would take a significant bid to persuade them to sell the Canada star, who is thought to be worth at least £50m.

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David has been linked to United, Liverpool and Chelsea in the pastCredit: Getty

Gift Orban

Spurs have reportedly spoken to Gent about the availability of the highly-rated 21-year-old.

Orban rose to prominence after joining the Belgian Pro League in January and netting 20 goals in 22 games.

The Nigerian recently bagged a hat-trick in a pre-season friendly and a number of clubs across Europe are thought to be interested.

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Orban is on fire at the momentCredit: AFP

Randal Kolo Muani

The Eintracht Frankfurt star has not been linked with Tottenham – but he is available.

Kolo Muani recently handed in a transfer request amid interest from Manchester United and PSG.

The Red Devils look unlikely to pursue the 24-year-old, who registered 15 goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga last term, after signing Rasmus Hojlund.

PSG remain the frontrunners – but Spurs may yet find themselves in need of someone like Kolo Muani.

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Kolo Muani is desperate to leave this summerCredit: AFP

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August 10, 2023
Raya ‘better’ than Ramsdale in key stats as star tipped to ‘put pressure on’

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has appeared on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal the latest to show interest.

But despite Gunners fans not foreseeing current no.1 Aaron Ramsdale losing his place, last season’s stats show Raya could well challenge him.

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Raya helped Brentford finish ninth last seasonCredit: Getty

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Now he’s been linked with a move to Premier League runners-up Arsenal and potentially displacing RamsdaleCredit: Getty

Raya had made it clear he was keen to move on from the club he’s made 161 appearances for at the end of last season, turning down new lucrative deals from the west London outfit.

The Spaniard had originally attracted interest from Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham, with current goalkeeper Hugo Lloris revealing his intention to leave.

However, Ange Postecoglou opted to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli instead, with Raya’s £40m price tag believed to be the sticking point.

Chelsea also had him on their radar and Bayern Munich have thrown their hat in the ring too as they look fill injured Manuel Neuer’s place, and talkSPORT understands the Bundesliga giants have been in dialogue with the Bees.

Now, Arsenal are interested in him. It’s possible Arteta could see Raya providing some healthy competition for Ramsdale.

That’s a theory talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested, despite him believing the Bees man is actually an upgrade.

“I think Raya is a better keeper,” the Aston Villa legend told talkSPORT Breakfast. “You know when you watched him at Brentford, some of the saves, playing from the back as well he’s so good.”

He continued: “But if you’re Ramsdale, you’re like ‘oh’. A couple of keepers and now you’re looking to replace me. He wasn’t bad last season or am I missing certain games?

“How many teams in the Premier League do you see with two top keepers? You don’t. Look at my club Aston Villa, I’m not keen on our no.2 and you’ve got Liverpool, you’ve got Manchester United, teams don’t really have two top, top keepers.

“So if [Mikel Arteta] wants to go down that route, I understand it. You put pressure on Ramsdale, you know, a couple of mistakes you’re out like in other parts of the field.

“Centre-halves, wingers, if you’re not having a good game in the top teams you’ve got someone that can take your place in Arsenal’s squad now. You’ve got players that can really push you.

He added: “Neither of them is going to accept playing the Carabao Cup for instance and playing the odd Premier League game when one is being rotated. I’m interested to see.”

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Ramsdale is an Arsenal fan favourite, but Raya bettered him in some areas last seasonCredit: AFP

But whatever Arteta’s plan may be if Raya does sign, do last season’s stats suggest Raya could give Ramsdale a run for his money? talkSPORT.com takes a look.

Ramsdale vs Raya – Premier League 2022/23

In Ramsdale’s 38 appearances in the league last term, the Gunners glovesman kept 14 clean sheets as he helped his side finish second in the league.

But, despite Brentford finishing seven places below them, Raya kept 12 clean sheets in the same number of games, just two behind the Gunners man.

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The Bees goalkeeper boasts some impressive stats

Ramsdale also conceded less goals, letting in 42 compared to Raya’s 46, and he also boasts better passing accuracy, pulling off 63 per cent whilst Raya did so 61 per cent of the time.

He also trumps Raya when it comes to clearances, making 34 compared to Raya’s 20.

The pair couldn’t be separated when it comes to penalty saves, with the both saving zero of the ones they faced. However, Raya only faced a spot kick twice, whereas Ramsdale had five opportunities.

But Raya does have a number of areas he bettered the England international in.

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Raya ranked first in the Premier League in all these stats, too

The Bees star has a higher save percentage of 77 per cent compared to Ramsdale’s 69, and has also made 51 catches with Ramsdale making 17.

Most notably, Raya’s number of successful distributions is far higher than Ramsdale’s – hence Agbonlahor’s reference to him helping Brentford play out from the back.

Raya may not have beaten Ramsdale in every stat, and vice versa.

But given Raya has played for a side that have only been in the Premier League for two seasons, he may well be hot on the Arsenal man’s heels should he sign this summer.

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July 31, 2023
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy meets Bayern execs in London with Harry Kane future uncertain

A Bayern Munich delegation were in London to meet Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy with Harry Kane’s future still up in the air.

Top scoring Kane has been heavily linked with the Bundesliga giants, with reports a £70million offer was made for the striker earlier this month, which was denied by Spurs.

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As thing stand Kane will leave Tottenham for free next summerCredit: Getty

Now, though, The Sun reports club chiefs jetted in for the meeting at a hotel in the capital on Thursday.

There is no suggestion an offer was made and the two clubs are said to be on good terms.

Kane, 29, has one year left on his Spurs contract but the club are willing to offer him £400,000-a-week to convince him to stay and Levy is believed to be ready to listen to offers if they are north of £100m.

Bayern want a new striker this summer having yet to fully replace Robert Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona last year.

Earlier this month, Bayern star Jamal Musiala said any side would like a player like Kane in their side when asked about the speculation.

He told Bild: “He has played at the highest level in the Premier League for many year.

“A lot of teams would like to have a player like that. He would fit in well with us.”

Kane reported to Tottenham for the first day of pre-season training on Wednesday and is due to fly to Australia for their Asia-Pacific tour.

Contract negotiations between the player and club were put on hold last season with Kane putting his focus on trying to help the club return to the Champions League.

However, Spurs came eighth in the Premier League, meaning they missed out on European football altogether.

On Kane’s future, new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said earlier this week: “I don’t think it’s my role to sit there and treat people in a manner because of their circumstances.

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Levy is trying to pull out all the stops to keep his prize assetCredit: Getty

“I treat everyone the same. Harry is already an important figure in the history of this football club.

“He’s one of the premier players in the world. I want him here and I want to make this club successful. I’m certain he wants that as well.

“It’s not going to be a conversation where we come out with some kind of understanding. I just want to introduce myself and I want to know what he wants to happen to make this football club successful then we’ll go out there on the training ground and make it happen.”

He continued: “I haven’t had any assurances and I wouldn’t expect any. With these type of situations you’re never dealing with certainties.

“I can only go with what I know right now. Harry is part of the squad and looking forward to being back and part of the players.”

Kane is yet to win a trophy at senior level but broke Jimmy Greaves’ all-time Spurs goal scoring record last season when he netted his 267th goal for the club in February.

He has 213 goals to his name and is chasing down Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League record of 260.

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July 14, 2023
Fans make same joke as footage of Sandro Tonali and girlfriend arriving in Newcastle emerges

Sandro Tonali and his girlfriend have arrived in Newcastle but rival fans have all poked fun after touching ground via private jet.

In one of the most ambitious transfers of the summer, Newcastle have forked out £52million for Tonali from AC Milan.

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Tonali flew to Tyneside on Wednesday with his partnerCredit: Getty

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His signing has been hailed by the fans as excitement about the ‘new Pirlo’ ramps upCredit: Getty

It has made the midfielder the most expensive Italian of all time and the second-most expensive player at St. James’ Park after Alexander Isak.

Under manager Eddie Howe, the Magpies will be playing in the Champions League next season after a sensational season where they finished fourth and are now flexing their financial muscles.

But after flying into the city on a private jet with his girlfriend Juliette Pastore, some fans pointed out that Tonali did not look too impressed after swapping life in Milan to go to Toon.

One replied to a tweet made by the official Newcastle account: “Looks absolutely thrilled to be there, going to be a flop I reckon.”

Another sarcastically posted: “He looks so happy…”

A third said: “Loan back to Milan next year. Lukaku style. Looks upset being there.”

While this supporter said: “Looks absolutely devastated.”

Despite many rival fans poking fun at Tonali’s arrival, the club is no doubt a very exciting place to be right now and the Newcastle faithful will merely look at it as jealousy.

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Some fans reckoned that he did not look too impressed to be thereCredit: https://twitter.com/NUFC

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But try telling that to him as he began his new lifeCredit: Getty

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Tonali’s group, including his girlfriend, were all smiles on the flight as they jetted inCredit: IG: @juliette_pastore

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Ms Pastore was wearing black and white as she stepped offCredit: https://twitter.com/NUFC

And the Italian rubbished the rumours of being unhappy when he was later pictured in a Magpies shirt with two thumbs up and a big grin.

It was also very telling that Tonali’s girlfriend Juliette was wearing a black and white top as she made her way off the plane, a nice nod to the colours of Newcastle that fans would have adored.

Howe has culminated a real team ethos at St. James’ Park as well while the fans absolutely adore their new heroes.

That includes Bruno Guimaraes, who recently became a father for the first time and admitted his son is a Geordie.

Speaking about his visits to the city of Newcastle, the Brazilian said: “When I am out with my parents, fans always want to talk to me and I feel like I am a Geordie too now.

“My son was born in Newcastle so he really is a Geordie! I am not sure if he will play for England, you have to be here for five years for that to happen.

“It will be his choice. I think that he will love the city and the people who live here, my wife and I will leave it to him.”

Newcastle have further plans to bolster their squad in the transfer window and are working on a deal to sign young star Tino Livramento from Southampton.

Goncalo Inacio, Kieran Tierney and Harvey Barnes have all been linked with a move to the Magpies, as well.

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July 6, 2023
Martin Odegaard has brutal side to him that makes Arsenal captain an asset

Mikel Arteta believes the demands Martin Odegaard places on himself means he is only going to get better.

Odegaard signed for Arsenal on a permanent deal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 and was made the club’s captain only a year later. At the time he was only 23 years old, but had already captained his national team for more than a year, taking the armband in March 2021.

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Arteta was full of praise for Odegaard and says the Arsenal captain is only going to get betterCredit: Getty

In an interview with Marca, Arsenal manager Arteta explained what makes Odegaard so unique.

“His self-demand is brutal,” he said. “He understands everything very well and learns quickly. We help him by giving him responsibility and confidence by making him a captain. I told him: ‘with this [role] will come more demands and your ability to transmit will be the key. Be you.’”

Although not known for barking orders on the pitch in the manner of John Terry or Roy Keane, Arteta insists Odegaard’s voice is listened to when it matters.

“Martin is very reserved, but when he speaks, he is heard. He does everything required: he takes care of himself; he cares and improves others; he has education, love for the game, commitment.

“His numbers are very good: the midfielder with the most goals in the history of the Premier League along with [Frank] Lampard. And he can still improve at 24 years old.”

Odegaard is coming off the back of his most successful Premier League season to date, scoring a total of 15 goals for Arsenal last season.

He also captained the club to their highest points tally in nearly 20 years, but his side narrowly missed out on Premier League glory.

However, Arsenal do have a return to Champions League football to look forward to and, going into the 20-year anniversary of the legendary ‘Invincibles’ team, Odegaard insists his side simply have to try again this season.

Arteta and Odegaard will hope to kick off another title charge when Arsenal host Nottingham Forest on the 12 of August as their opening Premier League fixture for the new season.

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June 26, 2023
Man United ready move for Premier League goalkeeper even if David de Gea stays

Manchester United are ready to move for England no.1 Jordan Pickford – whether David de Gea leaves or not.

Manager Erik ten Hag wants a high calibre goalkeeper signed this summer to either rival De Gea or replace him if he does not agree a new contract.

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Pickford is top of Ten Hag’s listCredit: GETTY

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A deal would be independent of De Gea’s futureCredit: Getty

talkSPORT understands that Pickford is the man at the top of United’s list and Everton may sell at around £30million.

The 29-year-old keeper was excellent as the Toffees avoided Premier League relegation but the Merseyside club needs money and manager Sean Dyche may be open to replacing him.

Pickford would jump at the chance of going to Old Trafford and playing in the Champions League, which is missing from his CV.

United have been doing deep dive checks on Pickford over the last few days as he emerges as the leading option.

De Gea, meanwhile, has an optional year on his contract which is set to expire this summer.

The Spaniard has won United’s Player of the Year award on four occasions since his 2011 signing from Atletico Madrid, but has endured a difficult campaign.

High profile mistakes in United’s first two games of the season against Brighton and Brentford saw Ten Hag abandon his philosophy of playing the ball out from the back, but he stuck with the lng serving no.1 through the January transfer window.

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De Gea won the Premier League Golden Glove this season but Ten Hag is on the lookout for a new goalkeeperCredit: Getty

However, more errors dogged De Gea’s season, and he came under particular scrutiny from Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher for his performance in the FA Cup final.

Despite that, the 32-year-old won the Premier League’s Golden Glove for the 2022/23 season, and will likely go down as a club legend even if he does leave this summer.

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June 10, 2023
Stats show Chelsea’s downfall as Potter makes admission after defeat to Tottenham

Graham Potter admits Chelsea’s results have not been good enough after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.

Second-half goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane were enough to condemn the Blues to three straight defeats in all competitions.

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Potter is now under serious pressure at Chelsea

To make matters worse, Potter’s side have won just two games since November 3 and sit tenth in the Premier League – 14 points adrift of Spurs in fourth.

Potter has come under fire from sections of the Chelsea support and revealed on Friday that he and his family have been the target of death threats.

With the vultures continuing to circle, Potter could ill-afford Sunday’s damaging defeat but a testing week now awaits the former Brighton boss.

“I know the responsibility,” said Potter after the defeat.

“It’s not good enough for this club and so I take full responsibility for those results. It isn’t good enough for Chelsea.”

It’s not just the performances that make for difficult reading: the statistics also make for a damning assessment of Potter’s reign as Chelsea boss.

Rex Features

Kane scored Spurs’ second goal to see off Chelsea

Defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means Chelsea have not won any of their last eight Premier League away games, signalling the club’s worst away run since March 2001.

Despite splashing over £300 million on transfers in January alone, Potter has been unable to turnaround his misfiring side’s fortunes.

Chelsea have scored just six goals in their last 12 Premier League games – the fewest of any team in the league since the start of November.

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Chelsea have won just two of their last 15 games

Potter faces a mammoth task in rewriting the story of Chelsea’s season but must start with victory over a buoyant Leeds side under new boss Javi Gracia on March 4.

The Blues then travel to Leicester before they attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Defeat to the Bundesliga side would almost certainly rule Chelsea out of next season’s competition.

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February 26, 2023