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As clichéd as it sounds, it really was a Premier League campaign of two halves for Tottenham Hotspur last season.

Ange Postecoglou got off to a brilliant start, seeing his side go unbeaten in their first ten league games, but come the final whistle on the final day, they had slipped down to fifth place.

While Europa League qualification is nothing to scoff at, it was a slightly disappointing finish considering the Lilywhites' start, and the player who best encapsulated this downturn in form was James Maddison.

The Englishman's second half of the campaign was nothing like his first, but the latest player touted for a move to N17 could be just the striker to revive his form.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from the Spanish-American network TUDNRadio, Tottenham have maintained their interest in Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez.

They claim that the Mexican international is "very close" to joining Spurs and that while there is also interest from La Liga giants Atlético Madrid, we are entering "crucial hours" for the player to decide "his future."

The report does not mention a potential price the Lilywhites would have to pay, but reports from Italy last month claimed that offers of around €50m, which converts to about £42m, might be enough to tempt the Dutch side into selling.

It's not a cheap deal by any means, and the interest from Atlético is far from ideal, but it looks like this really could happen, and based on his record last season, seeing him play alongside Maddison should excite fans.

Why Gimenez would be a great teammate for Maddison

Only two Tottenham players, Son Heung-min and Richarlison, reached double figures for goals across all competitions last season, and considering the latter only hit 12 goals, that's a serious problem. However, it's one Gimenez could fix.

In his 41 games for Feyenoord last season, the 23-year-old's performance was nothing short of exceptional. He scored 26 goals and provided eight assists, averaging a goal involvement every 1.20 games, which is a frankly ridiculous rate of return.

In fact, his goal haul alone is better than Dejan Kulusevski's, Richarlison's and Brennan Johnson's, and his tally of eight assists would make him the third-best provider in the North Londoners squad.

His genuinely impressive ability to put chances away would help Maddison supercharge his assist numbers, as according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Englishman is in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 2% for attempted passes and the top 7% for assists, all per 90.

This measurement has been taken across the last 365 days, so even though he tailed off following his return from injury, scoring one goal and providing four assists in 17 league games, he was still creating an impressive number of chances for his teammates who, in turn, could not finish them.

Therefore, adding a player as clinical as the "Mexican machine," as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, to the team can only help the former Leicester City ace's numbers shoot back up and get back to his best.

Ultimately, based on Gimenez's form last season and Maddison's underlying numbers across the last year, this could be a transformative signing for the club and the Englishman individually, and one that'll be well worth the money.

Son will love him: Spurs make enquiry to sign "mind-blowing" star

The “insane” striker could help supercharge the South Korean.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 24, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Penúltimo colocado da chave B da Série C, o Paraná vive dias complicados e temerosos pela frente. Após o revés dentro de casa diante do Mirassol, a equipe ficou perto de mais um rebaixamento.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

No fim de semana, o desafio é o Novorizontino, fora de casa e líder do grupo, ou seja, o Tigre é amplo favorito a bater o Tricolor.

O problema deste ‘favoritismo’ é que apenas o triunfo interessa ao Paraná. Sendo assim, a equipe da Vila Capanema vai precisar sair de campo com três pontos. Caso o time empate ou perca, está rebaixado para a Série D.

Situação Delicada

Nem mesmo a vitória pode salvar o Paraná. Se vencer e o São José-RS empatar o seu duelo, o Tricolor está rebaixado.

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Scott McTominay has been backed to become one of Napoli's greatest ever players after his excellent start in Serie A.

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• McTominay off to strong start at Napoli
• Ex-Man Utd midfielder backed to become club legend
• Sit top of Serie A after seven games

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McTominay joined the Italian club from Manchester United in the summer transfer window and already has two goals and an assist to his name, helping Antonio Conte's men go top of Serie A with 16 points from seven matches.

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  The 27-year-old was labelled "lethal" by striker Romelu Lukaku after he scored in the first minute of their game against Como. His heroics have been noticed by FIFA agent Cristian Bosco Iuenedi, too, who believes Napoli will win the league title this year and that Scotland international McTominay will play a pivotal role.

• WHAT BOSCO SAID

  “You can be a winner even if you have different DNA," Bosco said on . "This Napoli is a cynical Napoli. McTominay will still have to prove himself in Italy, but he is potentially one of the best midfielders in Napoli's history. I'll throw down a provocation. This year's Napoli has no opponents, only Napoli can lose this Scudetto!"

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Napoli are two points ahead of reigning champions Inter and have won six of their last seven matches. They are in action again on October 20, when they take on Empoli in Serie A.

يتواصل الحديث عن مستقبل نجم فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح، في ظل عدم التوصل إلى اتفاق حتى الآن بشأن تجديد عقده مع اقتراب صفقته الحالية من النهاية.

ومن المعروف أن العقد الحالي للنجم المصري محمد صلاح مع ليفربول سينتهي في صيف 2025، أي نهاية هذا الموسم.

وصرّح محمد صلاح، أكثر من مرة خلال الفترة الأخيرة، بعدم وجود مفاوضات أو عروض من جانب مُلاك ليفربول بشأن تمديد إقامته في ملعب “الأنفيلد”.

بينما ظهرت تقارير صحفية مؤخرًا تفيد أن ليفربول قدم عرضًا أوليًا لصاحب الـ32 عامًا فيما يخص تجديد عقده مع النادي الإنجليزي.

وتحدثت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية عن الأمر، حيث ذكرت بأن المشهد تغير بالكامل في الأسابيع الأخيرة، واقترب مسؤولو ليفربول من تجديد عقد محمد صلاح، خاصة مع رغبته الشخصية في البقاء.

اقرأ أيضًا.. “أنفيلد ووتش” مستشهدة بتصريحات أبو تريكة: أداء محمد صلاح يُحرج ليفربول

وأوضحت أن الوضع انقلب تمامًا حيث يقترب محمد صلاح من الاستمرار في كونه لاعبًا في ليفربول لموسم آخر.

وأفادت أنه بالنظر إلى اقتراب وجهات نظر الأطراف المعنية بالأمر، فإن هناك إمكانية لإضفاء الطابع الرسمي على تجديد عقد محمد صلاح قبل نهاية العام 2024، وهو ما وصفته بـ”الانتقال من التشاؤم المطلق إلى التفاؤل التام”.

وأشارت إلى أن دور محمد صلاح الأساسي هذا الموسم تحت قيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، وتأثيره على البقاء في صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي ودوري أبطال أوروبا، دفع إدارة ليفربول إلى تفهم الوضع ونتج عن ذلك تقديم عرض جديد.

وأكدت أن الدوري السعودي ينتظر ما قد يحدث، حيث كانوا هكذا بالفعل منذ الصيف الماضي، ولكن في الوقت الحالي يتراجع احتمال وصول محمد صلاح إلى دوري روشن للمحترفين بسبب اقترابه من تجديد عقده مع ليفربول.

إلى جانب محمد صلاح، هناك كذلك ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد وفيرجيل فان دايك، حيث ستنتهي عقودهما الحالية مع ليفربول في الصيف المقبل.

ووفقًا للصحيفة نفسها، فإن هدف ليفربول هو أن يستمر اثنان على الأقل من الثلاثة في النادي لما بعد الموسم الحالي، ولكي يحدث ذلك، سيقدمون أموالًا لم تكن في حساباتهم الأولية.

ولا يرغب ليفربول في رحيل أي من لاعبيه الثلاثة، ولكن هناك شكوك حول موقف ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد خاصة مع رغبة ريال مدريد الحثيثة في ضمه العام القادم.

Christian Pulisic is flying at AC Milan, with a derby goal against Inter seeing the USMNT star post a career first.

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Found the target in dramatic win at San SiroGoal contributions in five successive gamesHas become a key man for the RossoneriFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international has been in fine form at the start of the 2024-25 campaign. He found the target on 15 occasions last season, with that return representing a personal best for the former Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea forward.

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Pulisic has found the going tough with his country of late – as a Copa America flop was followed by winless outings against Canada and New Zealand in the September international break – but the 26-year-old continues to deliver end product at club level.

DID YOU KNOW?

He opened the scoring for Milan in their dramatic 2-1 derby win over arch-rivals Inter – with golf pro girlfriend Alexa Melton on hand to witness that strike. Said effort means that Pulisic has been directly involved in a goal across five successive matches for the first time in his career.

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WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

Pulisic has been on target for the Rossoneri against Parma, Venezia, Liverpool and Inter, while also providing an assist in a Serie A clash with Lazio. Milan will be hoping to see that impressive run extended when they play host to Lecce on Friday.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be making the trip to Iraq to face Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League, Al-Nassr have revealed.

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Ronaldo to miss key Al-Nassr fixturePortuguese suffering from a viral infectionHas been advised to rest for the next few daysWHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo's absence will be a significant blow for Al-Nassr, who have struggled to get going in this campaign and have already dropped four points in the first three matches of the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese striker has been diagnosed with a viral infection and has been advised to rest in Riyadh.

AdvertisementWHAT AL-NASSR SAID

On Sunday, Al-Nassr released an official statement which read: "Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't feeling well today and was diagnosed with a viral infection. The team's doctor confirmed he needs to rest and stay at his place. As a result, he will not be travelling with the team to Iraq today. We wish a speedy recovery to our captain."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Even as Ronaldo sits out the upcoming match, the 38-year-old continues to chase historic milestones. After his 900th career goal against Croatia, the Portuguese icon added yet another against Scotland. As he approaches the twilight of his career, Ronaldo has set his sights on reaching the unprecedented landmark of 1,000 career goals before retiring and if he keeps going at this pace, it might even get conquered. He has already scored five goals in four matches across all competitions for Al-Nassr this season and his recent form in the international break suggests that the 39-year-old is still a long way from hanging up his boots.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Ronaldo should be able to return to action next Friday against Al-Ettifaq in the Pro League, provided he recovers from the viral infection in time.

Bangladesh allrounder hoping to pick from where he left off with the bat once he’s back in action

PTI12-May-2020

Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is serving a two-year ban (one year suspended) for not reporting a corrupt approach, says not taking things lightly due to “ignorance” is the biggest lesson he has learnt from this whole episode.Shakib was banned by the ICC in October last after he accepted three charges of breaching the global body’s anti-corruption code. He will be free to resume international cricket on October 29 this year.”I have realised that there are certain things that you just cannot take lightly due to ignorance, and probably that is the biggest lesson I learnt during this time,” Shakib, who is currently in the USA, told . “It is a very difficult time for me because at the back of the mind you always think that I am not playing or not being able to play. The good thing is that I was able to stay with my wife during the birth of our second child.”I could not do that when my first daughter was born and I am trying to be with them in the lockdown. For me making sure that I am not depressed is extremely important as I am locked down in my house.”Shakib was in sublime touch with the bat before the ban brought him down, having scored 606 runs at 86.57 at the 2019 World Cup. Once he’s back, Shakib hopes to pick up again from where he left off.”First of all, I want to return to the game. I will return to the game after four-five months. No other decision [will be taken] before that. The biggest challenge is to be able to start again from where I had stopped, that is what I’m expecting from myself.”Wish I can start from where I ended up. That is the challenge for me, nothing else.”Shakib was sensational at No. 3 at the World Cup, and he said South Africa’s AB de Villiers inspired him to bat in that position.”I was talking to de Villiers during the BPL before the World Cup. It was just a normal conversation. He told me that at times he has batted late [in an innings]. If he had batted at No. 3 then he could have contributed more to the team and scored more runs.”Thinking about the team, he always had to play at four, five, six. His theory was to play in the middle order and score 70-80, which sometimes gives the advantage to the team and sometimes it doesn’t work. But had he batted at three, then he could have scored 100-120 and might have won more.”

The big news in the New Zealand Test squad, apart from the post-injury comeback for Trent Boult, was the return to the arena for 31-year-old left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in place of Mitchell Santner. It’s a good change, as far as former batting coach Craig McMillan is concerned, because Patel “can pick up four or five wickets in a Test match”. As for Patel, he is just excited at the prospect of facing off against “some of the best in the world”.”Mitchell Santner, over a period of time, has done a holding role for New Zealand. And that’s down quite often to the conditions in New Zealand that aren’t really conducive to have the ball turning much. It’s the seamers who do all the damage and take most of the wickets,” McMillan, who finished up with the team after the 2019 50-over World Cup, told .Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach, had welcomed Patel’s inclusion when the squad was announced, saying, “It’s a slight change in role we’re looking in terms of that position being one where we can take wickets and focus hard on that.”McMillan liked what he heard from Stead: “It’s good to hear, because Ajaz Patel is better than being just a holding spinner. He’s got over 230 first-class wickets [235 in 62 matches], so he knows how to bowl in New Zealand. So I hope they use him in an attacking role. They need to have a spinner who can pick up four or five wickets in a Test match. And Ajaz Patel is certainly a guy who could do that. So I thought it was encouraging to hear, and it will be interesting to see how they use him, because that’s one of the keys, when you have spinners in your side, it’s the time to use them and how to use them.”I hope they give him the opportunity to continue bowling how he does at the domestic level at the international level, because I think he can do a really good job, pick up wickets and be really useful in that New Zealand Test side.”Patel has played only seven Test matches since his debut in 2018, five of them in Asian conditions and only two in New Zealand, where the stress has been on pace with Santner trying to keep things tight without really being much of an attacking option. In the last 12 months, Santner has played one Test in Sri Lanka, two at home against England, and two in Australia, and picked up only five wickets in those games at an average of 96.80. The other spinners in the mix have been Todd Astle, who has since retired from red-ball cricket, and Will Somerville, who both played the New Year’s Test in Sydney on the back of an illness crisis in the squad.Back in the scheme of things now, Patel is looking forward to going up against Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and the rest of the mighty India batting line-up.”It’s a fantastic challenge. I suppose as a spinner, testing yourself against some of the best players in the world, it’s a great challenge and it’s something that you should, really, enjoy and cherish,” he said. “At the end of the day, I suppose, at some point in my career, I want to be known as the best in the world. So to be able to challenge some of the best in the world, it’s a great opportunity and a challenge, something that I look forward to.”Mitchell Santner is congratulated on a wicket•Getty Images

Whether he gets that chance or not depends on the Basin Reserve pitch. If it’s green, as McMillan pointed out, “perhaps playing a fourth seamer, which means Kyle Jamieson might get a run”.Patel understands that. “I suppose it depends on the surface and the scenarios of the game,” he said of the role he expects to play. “Either way, I am going to try and contribute in any way that I can, whether it be with the ball, with the bat, in the field. If it requires me to try and take wickets, then I’m going to try to do that, if it requires me to try and restrict runs, then I’ll try and do that. I feel my game’s pretty adaptable. So I’m going to just see what the conditions are and what the scenario and situation is and try to play to that.”The Basin could be quite interesting, I suppose. It depends on what kind of day it is and what kind of week you get. If you get a nice, sunny week, the wicket dries up pretty quickly. Although if there’s a bit of overcast conditions, that can be a bit different as well. And obviously you have the wind factor. There’s a lot of things you’ve got to think about at the Basin, but once again, it’s kind of adapting your game to whatever presents itself, and that’s probably one of the great things about Test cricket. You get different challenges thrown at you and you have to learn to adapt.”What could have gone against Santner, apart from just his own moderate returns, was the fact that even as he picked up just one wicket in two Tests on the December 2019 tour of Australia, Nathan Lyon topped the wicket-takers’ chart with 20 wickets in three Tests, all of which Australia won.Did that show up Santner, as well as New Zealand’s use with their frontline spinner? “I think it did in many ways,” McMillan agreed. “[Santner’s numbers] sort of stands out in itself, because his core role in the side is to pick up wickets as a spinner, not as a batsman. And he was getting picked in the side to do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. And New Zealand, with the bowling line-up they’ve got, need a spinner who can contribute four or five wickets a Test match, which just takes some pressure off the likes of [Tim] Southee, [Neil] Wagner and Boult.”

Allrounder could face ICC sanction following spectator altercation after his first-innings dismissal and faces demerit points

George Dobell at the Wanderers24-Jan-2020

Ben Stokes has apologised for his “unprofessional” actions, but could still face an ICC sanction following an angry exchange with a spectator who likened him to the singer, Ed Sheeran, on the first day of England’s final Test against South Africa.Stokes, England’s vice-captain, paused as he left the field following his dismissal and, in response to comments from a spectator, appeared to say: “Come say that to me outside the ground, you f***ing four-eyed c***.”Stokes’ words were picked up by broadcasters and, though not shown live, were broadcast shortly after his dismissal. They were soon shared multiple times on social media. The spectator’s comments were not broadcast, though it is understood that the individual involved, who is middle-aged, swore at Stokes and suggested he looked like Sheeran.”I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on the live broadcast today after my dismissal. I should not have reacted in that way,” Stokes said in a statement after the close of play. “As I was leaving the playing area, I was subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd.”I admit that my reaction was unprofessional, and I sincerely apologise for the language I used, especially to the many young fans watching the live telecast around the world.”Throughout the Tests so far, the support from both sets of fans (England and South Africa) has been brilliant. One incident will not ruin such a competitive series, which we are determined to win.”Use of an audible obscenity during an International Match is considered a Level One offence – the least serious – and carries a penalty of one demerit point. Stokes does not have any active demerit points, so the penalty – and any accompanying fine – would amount to little more than a slap on the wrist.In the unlikely event his words are considered a threat of assault, however, then he could be charged with a Level Three offence. If that charge was upheld, Stokes would be hit with five or six demerit points and would be facing a suspension.It is also possible his words will be considered ‘conduct that brings the game into disrepute’ which would leave him open to anything from a Level One to a Level Four offence. Level Four offences are the most serious.The match referee may well take several factors into mitigation. For one thing, the gravity of the comments aimed at Stokes may be considered, while there will also be some thought to Stokes’ state of mind as he deals with the ongoing illness of his father, Ged, who remains in hospital in the city having fallen ill at the start of the tour.The ECB may also be underwhelmed with the incident. The sponsors of Test cricket in England are Specsavers, while it is not so long since Stokes helped England win the Leeds Test in partnership with the bespectacled Jack Leach.Ashley Giles, Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket, added: “It is disappointing that a member of the public has gone out of their way to abuse Ben as he was leaving the field. Ben is fully aware that he should not have reacted in the way that he did and apologises for his actions.”In addition to this incident, members of our support staff were subjected to personal abuse during and after the day’s play. We have requested to the venue to ensure that security and stewarding are enhanced for the remainder of the match so that players’ and staff members can go about their duties without provocation.”Sheeran, the multi-awarding-winning pop star, was described as Stokes’ “biggest fan” when announcing the allrounder’s nomination for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, an award that Stokes won in a ceremony in Aberdeen in December.After the conclusion of the day’s play, Stokes came back out of the dressing-room to chat to spectators – including those by the players’ tunnel, where the incident took place – and to sign autographs.

West Ham United's 5-0 win over Freiburg on Thursday was as good as any that Hammers fans have seen this season, but Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa will be a wholly different contest.

Unai Emery's high-flying side have been breathtaking this season but suffered a 4-0 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur one week ago, with John McGinn sent off.

While it feels like West Ham's campaign has been marked by inconsistency, David Moyes' team are into the Europa League quarter-finals and are currently seventh in the table, having finished 14th last term and sold Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m in the summer.

After dispatching Freiburg, Sunday's hosts will be fuelled with fire and belief that they can impose another defeat on the Villans, with Moyes likely to make at least four changes following Thursday's emphatic victory.

1 GK – Alphonse Areola

Alphonse Areola has taken the starring spot between the sticks this season and has done so emphatically, with his command and shot-stopping prowess crucial for Moyes' side.

1.

Alisson Becker

21

55

75.3%

2.

Alphonse Areola

25

104

75%

3.

Andre Onana

28

103

74.5%

4.

Nick Pope

14

39

73.6%

5.

Jordan Pickford

28

83

73.3%

The fitness of Ollie Watkins, who was forced off against Ajax in midweek, is a big question heading into the fixture but Areola will be confident of stopping the visitors' offensive threat.

2 RB – Vladimir Coufal

Having signed for West Ham for just £5m back in 2020, Vladimir Coufal has been incredibly important and has been one of the club's most underrated outlets this term.

As per Sofascore, the 31-year-old has supplied six assists in the Premier League this season, averaging two tackles, 2.7 clearances and 4.5 ball recoveries per game while succeeding with 53% of his ground duels.

3 CB – Kurt Zouma

Kurt Zouma was appointed West Ham captain at the start of the 2023/24 campaign but he hasn't played his best football this year, albeit scoring on his last Premier League appearance against Everton.

The Frenchman, aged 29, is an imposing presence in the backline and will need to harness his command and control if he is to emerge victorious against a fluid and dangerous Lions attack.

4 CB – Nayef Aguerd

West Ham's backline have already conceded 49 league goals this season and Nayef Aguerd is among those who need to perform well against Villa if he is to return to prominence in east London.

He missed out against Freiburg but could return to replace Konstantinos Mavropanos – the latter man notably netting an own goal against Burnley last weekend.

5 LB – Emerson Palmieri

Emerson Palmieri was injured in the first leg against Freiburg and has missed West Ham's past two matches, but he is making good progress and could return to the line-up.

The Italy international – hailed for his "unbelievable" all-encompassing showings by Flynn Downes – has emerged as a key cog in the London Stadium side's system this season and no defender has made more tackles than his 78 in the Premier League.

6 CM – Edson Alvarez

Edson Alvarez had some big boots to fill in the West Ham engine room when signing from Ajax for £35m last August, and while he's not his predecessor, The Athletic's Roshane Thomas has remarked that he has been West Ham's "best summer signing."

As per FBref, the Mexico international ranks among the top 14% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 20% for interceptions, the top 5% for blocks and the top 1% for clearances per 90.

Tough-tackling and tenacious, he will be key.

7 CM – Tomas Soucek

Tomas Soucek should retain his starting spot tomorrow, with Kalvin Phillips hardly proving himself a reliable starter in a Hammers shirt.

The centre-midfielder has been an important player throughout the Moyes era and has scored nine goals from 40 outings this season.

8 RW – Jarrod Bowen

Naturally, Jarrod Bowen was on the scoresheet in midweek and now boasts a return of 18 goals and seven assists from 36 appearances in all competitions this season.

He's rather good, isn't he? And, moreover, he's back in his favoured role on the right wing.

9 AM – James Ward-Prowse

James Ward-Prowse was harangued for his effort against Burnley last weekend and he was hooked at half-time after taking just 23 touches and failing to contribute with a single defensive contribution besides winning an aerial duel.

Still, he was a wand of a delivery and his creativity could be key tomorrow, especially given that Lucas Paqueta is a doubt after picking up a knock against Freiburg.

10 LW – Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus is a crowd-pleaser. After the Ghanaian showman's stunning first goal against Freiburg, collecting in his defensive half and beating his man, then another, then another, to finally slot past Noah Atubolu, one half-expected to see a bouquet chucked at his feet, or hear calls for an encore, as he perched on a stool and basked in the glory of a high-class goal.

In other words, he's darn good, and if West Ham are to produce a good display against Villa he will need to be on his a-game.