Arteta lining up Arsenal bid for their new Ozil in “wonderful” £34m talent

Mikel Arteta will be pleased with how his Arsenal side hasn’t let the disappointment from last season negatively affect this campaign.

The north Londoners are currently second in the Premier League, yet they have the opportunity to return to the top against West Ham United on Thursday.

The Gunners already have a young squad, but the boss wants to add another exciting prospect to his side this January.

Arsenal transfers latest – Kenan Yildiz

According to Italian outlet, TuttoMercatoWeb, Arsenal are interested in signing 18-year-old Kenan Yildiz from Juventus.

Kenan Yildiz celebrates.

The Italian side is willing to cash in on the youngster if the right offer arrives, as they need to raise funds.

However, it would take a fee of £34m to sign the Turkish attacker this January, and Juve will only accept a permanent move with a loan off the cards.

Kenan Yildiz’s style of play

It is no surprise that at 18 years old, Yildiz is extremely inexperienced, but he has featured for his country twice and had seven cameos for Juventus this season. Despite averaging very few minutes per game, he has already scored for both his club and country.

The Turkey prospect made his first start for the Old Lady last time out, and within 12 minutes, he had already scored his first goal for the club after skipping past three players in the box with one chop and firing a low, composed finish to the near post. A goal that was described as “wonderful” by Fabrizio Romano.

Yildiz is a skilful number ten by trade, with incredible vision and chance creation ability, which has earned him comparisons to Mesut Ozil. The ex-Bayern Academy star is also dynamic and thrives when receiving the ball on the half turn and driving at the opposition backline, where he stays composed and usually makes the right decision.

The 6 foot attacking midfielder is extremely agile and elegant for his height, and he has the ability to evade the press with ease. Yildiz is also extremely comfortable with both feet, which makes him far less predictable in and around the box. In short, he is simply a defender's nightmare, as they cannot get too tight or stand off him. Although he is a number ten, he tends to drift all over the field to find pockets of space, but he thrives on the left.

Despite having enough quality to be given minutes at the Gunners, it is safe to presume that he wouldn’t feature heavily under Arteta. Therefore, game time will be limited for the Turkish ace, who is simply desperate to play and develop alongside the very best.

The hope at Arsenal is that Yildiz could replicate what Ozil did at the club during his 184 Premier League matches, where he scored 33 goals and registered 59 assists. If the Juve attacker was able to live up to the standard of the World Cup winner, the move would be a success, but spending £34m in January on an inexperienced 18-year-old goes one of two ways: a masterstroke or a disaster.

'Structural changes' need to be made at RCB – Kirsten

The coach pointed to two losses in particular within the first fortnight of this IPL, which affected Royal Challengers’ whole season

Saurabh Somani in Bengaluru03-May-2019

BCCI

It’s been a familiar story for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2019. Start the season full of promise and fire, stumble from one defeat to the next, end it to avoid finishing at the bottom.In the auctions before IPL 2019, the franchise spent most of its purse on Shimron Hetymyer and Shivam Dube – a combined INR 9.20 crore (USD 1,330,000 approx.). They’ve both played only four games each out of 13 so far, and their purchase for big sums followed by limited opportunities is symptomatic of what, from the outside, seems another season without clear direction.It’s not been an easy ship to steer for Gary Kirsten, one of the two designated coaches for the franchise, with Ashish Nehra. Kirsten had come on board as a batting consultant in IPL 2018, in which Royal Challengers finished sixth. The year before that, they finished at the bottom. Given the run of poor performances – they have won a combined 13 out of 41 games in three seasons – Kirsten acknowledged that fundamental changes might be needed.”There are some structural changes that need to be made that have maybe been around for quite a long time,” Kirsten said in Bengaluru on Friday. “This is my first year as the head coach, so I’ve got a better understanding of what those are. We’ll certainly discuss with our owners and look into that for next year.”It’s been a disappointing season. Obviously we would have liked to have had better results. I’ve been very encouraged with the second half of the season, since we only got two points in the first half. But we’ve won four of our last seven games, and one of them was a rained-out game. So that’s kind of back to the kind of consistency you need. We started to really get things going in the second half, but unfortunately, in IPL if you have a bad start you’re always going to be struggling.”Kirsten pointed to two losses in particular within the first fortnight of the tournament, which affected Royal Challengers’ whole season.”Two big games that cost us that we should have won at the beginning of the season was [against] Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders here,” Kirsten said. “We lost both those games having played really good cricket for 95% of the game. Literally in 12 balls the game changed… in six balls. Those kind of games, if you’re not winning them, they start to affect you big time during the season, because we know that IPL is incredibly unpredictable and games that you should be winning, you need to win.”If you are on the back foot early and you have lost most of your games in the first half, you get into trouble in the second half. We have tried to pull it back. I thought we did a reasonably good job in pulling it back in the second half, but it is always going to be tough winning seven out of seven.”Even as he foresaw operational changes in the franchise, Kirsten hoped the playing core would be exempt, though he admitted Royal Challengers were still searching for a group of players they could come back to, year after year.”I’ve always been a fan – as I’m sure all the coaches are in this IPL – of continuity. You want to try and build your core of players and build a culture where you can keep coming back to the same players,” Kirsten explained. “I think the most successful franchises in IPL have done that. We’re searching for that in RCB. While there might be some structural change next year, I’m hopeful and confident we’ll have some continuity in our players.”Because we need to really start building a core of players that we believe in, and back them. I think the franchises that do a lot of chopping and changing every year run into problems. Because IPL is not about an individual performing every IPL, that’s just not going to happen. But if you keep backing guys they are going to come good for you in one season.”The last league game for the team, against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on Saturday, will be one that Royal Challengers will play without even the mathematical possibility of a playoff spot. The practical possibility had disappeared some time back, and Virat Kohli has reiterated before every game that the team is just looking to enjoy playing the game. However, that enjoyment is tough to channel amid losses.”My view is you are only having fun when you are winning,” Kirsten said with a smile. “I understand the point he (Kohli) is making but it is always tough when you are not winning games. The IPL is an incredibly intense competition. In my view, in domestic T20 cricket around the world, there is nothing even remotely like it and I think all the players feel the pressure, especially guys who are new to the IPL, they come here with their eyes wide open. They cannot believe how intense the games are. Senior players feel that pressure as well.”

Cole Palmer reacts to Mauricio Pochettino's shock Chelsea exit as Blues star pays tribute to Argentine for making his 'dreams come true'

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has sent a message to Mauricio Pochettino following the Argentine's departure from Stamford Bridge.

Article continues below

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Pochettino leaves Chelsea after just one seasonPalmer sends thank you message to ArgentineBlues now looking for new bossWHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have announced that Pochettino has left the club by mutual consent after just one season in charge of the Blues. The Argentine has overseen a difficult campaign that ended on a winning streak which brought a sixth-placed finish and European football for next season. The decision to part company with Pochettino has angered some Chelsea fans, as Todd Boehly and Co begin the hunt for another new manager.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Palmer was the standout player for Chelsea in the 2023-24 campaign after moving to the club in the summer from Manchester City. The 22-year-old scored 22 goals and bagged 11 assists for the Blues to cap off a stellar debut season at Stamford Bridge. Palmer's performances have seen him claim the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award and a place in England's Euro 2024 squad. The youngster has now reacted to Pochettino's exit and is clearly disappointed to see the coach move on.

WHAT COLE PALMER SAID

Palmer wrote on Instagram: "Gaffer, thank you for everything you have done for me & making my dreams come true. All the best.

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DID YOU KNOW?

At the age of 22 years and 13 days on the final day of the season, Palmer is the youngest player in the competition's history to finish as the outright leading player for combined goals and assists (33 – 22 goals, 11 assists).

Tom Taylor's allround fireworks give Leicestershire late Cup cheer

Leicestershire 340 (Taylor 98*, Ackermann 74, Dearden 69) beat Warwickshire 304 (Yates 66, Taylor 3-58) by 36 runs
All-rounder Tom Taylor made a career-best unbeaten 98, took three wickets, effected a run-out and held on to two fine catches as Leicestershire ended their Royal London Cup campaign with victory over Warwickshire.Foxes’ skipper Colin Ackermann chose to bat after winning the toss, and although triallist George Munsey went quickly, bowled off the inside edge by Oliver Hannon-Dalby, fellow opener Harry Dearden took full advantage of a series of wide and over-pitched deliveries, hitting eleven boundaries, almost all through the off side, in going to a half-century off just 34 balls.Warwickshire captain Jeetan Patel turned to spin to slow the scoring rate, and was rewarded when Alex Thomson deceived Mark Cosgrove with an arm-ball that hurried inside a defensive push to hit the left-hander’s leg stump.Patel himself then produced the delivery of the day, straightening the ball past Dearden’s outside edge to remove the left-hander’s off stump, and Warwickshire continued to make inroads, first when Lewis Hill lifted a short ball from Craig Miles high into the hands of third man, and then when Ateeq Javid was run out by Miles at the non-striker’s end after being sent back by a late call from Ackermann.Ackermann himself looked set to register what would have been his third century in the competition this season, but on 74 skied an attempt to hit Patel through the off-side, and was caught by Will Rhodes at backward point.At 222 for 6 the Foxes’ innings was in danger of petering out, but with spinners Thomson and Patel having bowled their allotted spells, Taylor ensured the momentum did not falter, launching into the seamers and hitting eight fours in going to a half-century off 34 balls.The 24-year-old received good support from Ben Mike and then Callum Parkinson as he passed his previous List A best of 59, and then charged towards three figures. With Taylor on 98 however, Hannon-Dalby deflected his straight drive on to the stumps at the non-striker’s end, running out Parkinson, and in the following over Mohammad Abbas could not get his bat on a full, straight delivery from George Panayi, leaving Taylor stranded.Warwickshire’s response began promisingly, openers Ed Pollock and Dom Sibley hitting 70 off the first ten overs before Sibley, back on his stumps, was leg before to a full, in-swinging delivery from left arm seamer Klein.Pollock hit seven fours and a six in going to his first half-century of the season in 47 balls before being bowled by left-arm spinner Parkinson, pushing forward to a nicely flighted delivery that went on to hit off stump, and Will Rhodes holed out to Taylor at long-off off the part-time off-spin of Javid.The key dismissal, however, was that of Rob Yates, who was batting with impressive maturity and assurance on debut for Warwickshire, and had gone to 66 when he turned for a tight second run and found his path inadvertently blocked by bowler Ben Mike. Dodging around Mike cost the 19-year-old Yates a vital moment and his dive to beat Taylor’s throw was unsuccessful.Thereafter there was a good effort from Liam Banks, and Craig Miles and Patel hit out bravely in the final overs, but scoreboard pressure told, and an excellent catch above his head on the midwicket boundary to dismiss Miles completed Taylor’s outstanding day.

Corinthians empresta Matheus Davó ao Guarani até o fim do Paulistão

MatériaMais Notícias

A reformulação no elenco do Corinthians segue a todo vapor e neste domingo o clube anunciou o destino de um jogador. Trata-se de Matheus Davó, que foi emprestado para disputar o Campeonato Paulista pelo Guarani, seu ex-time.

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> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2021 clicando aqui

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>Quem foi a grande revelação do Brasileirão? Veja os votos da redação

O atacante, que chegou ao Timão no começo de 2020, havia sido contratado justamente junto ao Bugre como uma promessa. No entanto, ele demorou a ganhar espaço e só teve a sua primeira sequência no Alvinegro sob o comando de Vagner Mancini, quando fez cinco partidas consecutivas como titular.

Antes da chegada do treinador, Davó só havia feito dois jogos oficiais no Corinthians, ambos no Paulistão, totalizando 30 minutos, aparecendo com certa frequência no banco de reservas, mas sem ser utilizado.

Depois da sequência com Mancini, porém, ele acabou perdendo espaço. Foram dois gols marcados e um pênalti sofrido, somando três participações em tentos. Desde sua última partida, contra o Grêmio, em 22 de novembro, ele só apareceu no banco por mais duas vezes, contra o Coritiba e contra o Fortaleza, ambas sem ser utilizado. De lá para cá, ou seja, desde o dia 2 de dezembro, ele não mais foi relacionado pelo treinador e perdeu seus espaço na temporada.

Sem jogar e sem ser relacionados há três meses, Matheus Davó acabou sendo colocado na lista de negociáveis pelo Corinthians e neste domingo foi confirmado seu empréstimo ao Guarani até o fim do Campeonato Paulista. Pelo Timão, o atacante fez sete jogos oficiais e marcou dois gols.

Howe losing more depth as Hayden in talks to leave Newcastle for Preston

A "brilliant" Newcastle United squad player could soon depart the club during the January transfer window, with a move to another English team well underway.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies need to make some new signings this month despite their FFP limitations, following a season that started so brightly with a big win over Aston Villa, but has since lurched from one problem to the next. Injuries have hurt Eddie Howe's side so badly, and there is little sign of that changing, with key man Joelinton now potentially missing for the rest of the campaign.

It has highlighted the importance of fresh faces arriving in January, and lots of players have been touted as potential signings, including "elite" Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, who is also believed to be wanted by Liverpool. His teammate and fellow defender Goncalo Inacio is also considered an option, while in midfield, Kalvin Phillips has been endlessly linked with a move to St James' Park.

The injury-prone nature of both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson also means that a new striker could come in before the month ends, with Bournemouth ace Dominic Solanke and VfB Stuttgart marksman Serhou Guirassy both seen as targets who could bolster the firepower at Howe's disposal, although the Bournemouth man would not be affordable until the summer.

It's not all about incomings, however, and there continue to be reports linking Bruno Guimaraes with a move away from Newcastle, and a fresh update suggests another player could be on his way out of the exit door in the coming weeks.

Isaac Hayden set to leave Newcastle

According to The Telegraph, Isaac Hayden looks likely to leave Newcastle this month, with the Magpies midfielder in talks with Championship side Preston over a move to the club.

"Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden is in talks to join Championship side Preston North End after cutting short a loan move to Standard Liege in Belgium."

In truth, it is hard to see Hayden having any sort of long-term future at Newcastle, considering how much the team has improved since he was more of a mainstay. The Magpies are simply in a position where they need superior midfielders to the 28-year-old, but one does have to wonder if he wouldn't prove useful in the next few months, at a time where Lewis Miley, Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff could effectively be asked to play 90 minutes every game.

The Englishman could be a perfect signing for Preston or a team of that ilk, however, putting his experience to good use and doing a workmanlike job in midfield. Arsenal legend Ian Wright once lauded his impact in one game for Newcastle, following a goal-line clearance:

"Look at Hayden there, he realises [the]’ keeper is out of place and he goes on the line, great stuff; maybe Danny Ings could have hit that with the left foot, but Hayden, brilliant awareness to get himself on the line."

Fabrizio Romano provides update on Bruno Guimaraes' Newcastle future

The Brazilian has been linked with a move away.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 15, 2024

A loan move until the end of the season makes perfect sense for Hayden and his career, but once the summer arrives, he should look to leave Newcastle on a permanent basis. He is contracted to the Magpies until the summer of 2026, so they can still get good money for him, and it will allow him to settle elsewhere as he gradually approaches the latter part of his career.

Michael Slater retains World Cup commentary role after flight altercation

Michael Slater, the former Australia opening batsman and now commentator, will be heard on Channel Nine’s World Cup broadcast after the ICC confirmed he remains a part of the world broadcast feed for the event, due to begin on May 30.Following a highly publicised incident on Sunday when Slater was escorted from a Qantas domestic flight from Sydney to his hometown of Wagga Wagga, after becoming embroiled in a heated argument with two female fellow travellers, ESPNcricinfo understands he was spoken to by host broadcasters and reminded of the behavioural standards all commentators must uphold.However, Slater is set to return to Australian television screens with Nine, his former network, as well as Fox Sports, the pay television broadcaster that will air all the tournament’s matches. Nine has the free-to-air rights to screen Australia’s nine round-robin matches, plus the semi-finals and tournament final at Lord’s on July 14.Last year Slater moved from Nine to Seven, following the latter’s winning of broadcast rights for matches in Australia in a combined deal with Fox Sports worth A$1.18 billion to Cricket Australia. A central figure in Seven’s broadcast, particularly for the Big Bash League, Slater did not continue his role throughout the summer, missing from the back-end of the season and the BBL finals series in early February.It is believed this decision was made mutually between Slater and Seven for personal reasons, though he is still under contract with the network for another season and may yet return.Since then, Slater has commentated on the Indian Premier League, and will soon be heard again on Nine and Fox Sports for the World Cup. In a statement to , a contrite Slater confirmed the incident on the plane: “I did have an argument with two friends whilst boarding a flight to Wagga and I apologise for the inconvenience this caused other passengers on the flight.”Nine, which lost its rights as the host broadcaster for Australian cricket for the first time since Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket breakaway more than 40 years ago, will ironically broadcast the returns of the previously banned Steven Smith and David Warner in the wake of the Newlands scandal, after Seven and Fox Sports suffered by their absence over the 2018-19 summer.The network’s World Cup coverage will be hosted by Rebecca Maddern, alongside former national team captains Mark Taylor, Ian Healy and Lisa Sthalekar.Seven recently unveiled the former New Zealand captain and Brisbane Heat batsman Brendon McCullum as a new addition to its commentary team for next summer. McCullum will also be heard on the World Cup broadcast.

Tamim Iqbal cleared of fracture after suffering wrist injury in nets

Opener gives Bangladesh another injury concern ahead of opening World Cup fixture against South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2019Tamim Iqbal has given Bangladesh another injury concern ahead of Sunday’s opening World Cup fixture against South Africa at The Oval, after being struck a blow on the left wrist while batting in the nets.Tamim left the field immediately after the incident to be assessed by the Bangladesh team physio, and went for a precautionary X-ray. Although no fracture was detected*, the bruising and swelling could still make him a doubt to play.”It’s too early to say anything specific but we will have an X-ray and if there is a fracture, then he won’t be available,” selector Habibul Bashar said before the results were kn. “But if that is not the case, then we can hope he will be available for the opening game.”The loss of Tamim would be a grievous one for Bangladesh. The opener has been the bedrock of their batting since the 2007 World Cup, and has been in superb form in all formats in recent series, including a brace of half-centuries en route to their tri-series ODI win in Ireland earlier this month.What is more, his aggressive batting style is particularly suited to English conditions, where he averages 50.71 in seven ODIs (and 67.00 in Tests), including scores of 128 and 95 in his first two matches of the Champions Trophy in 2017.Bangladesh are also monitoring the fitness of Mohammad Saifuddin, who is recovering from a back problem, along with Mashrafe Mortaza (hamstring), Mustafizur Rahman (calf) and Mahmudullah (shoulder). Shakib Al Hasan suffered a back spasm recently but is expected to be back to full fitness.*1900 BST – This story was updated with X-ray results

Man Utd could replace Casemiro with “one of South America’s biggest jewels”

Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend was their ninth loss in the Premier League.

This is the same number they suffered in the whole of last season, and Erik ten Hag’s side sits eighth, nine points off fourth.

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With that in mind, the former Ajax boss could look to enhance his squad this winter, with outgoings expected and incomings potentially on the cards.

Man Utd transfers latest – Andre

According to a report from Brazilian outlet Trivela earlier this week, Man United are interested in signing Andre, who has been labelled as “one of South America’s biggest jewels” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

morten-frendrup-andre-liverpool-opinion

Other Premier League clubs, such as Fulham and Liverpool, are also monitoring the Brazilian.

It is rumoured that a fee of around £17m could secure the services of the Fluminense star, which could represent something of a bargain, even for a cash-strapped side like United.

Andre’s style of play

Casemiro has been unavailable for United since October, missing 17 matches in the process due to a knock. In truth, his performances before the injury were subpar, with his lack of athleticism and Ten Hag’s lone defensive midfield tactic exposing the 31-year-old, having notably been "torn to shreds" in the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend, according to Gary Neville.

Therefore, it is reported that a move to Saudi Arabia could be on the cards for the former Real Madrid winner.

Although unlikely, United could cash in on their number 18 with the view of investing in Andre as his replacement. The 22-year-old has become a key player for Fluminense, featuring 60 times for the club in 2023 and playing 75% of his matches in a defensive midfield role. The table below gives a concise look at the number 7’s style of play by looking at his statistics from the last year.

Passes completed

76.27

Top 1%

Pass completion % (short, Medium, Long)

96.2%, 97.3%, 79.9%

Top 1%, Top 1%, Top 5%

Passes into the final third

6.63

Top 8%

Touches (Def third)

89.95 (30.39)

Top 2% (Top 1%)

Successful take-ons

1.38

Top 14%

Tackles won

1.50

Top 26%

As you can see, Andre has a completely different profile from Casemiro, with the former being described as a “roaming playmaker” by Jacek Kulig. That is obvious when addressing his stats, such as his ability to complete passes with accuracy regardless of the range. He rarely gives the ball away, but his passes into the final third stat show that he isn’t safe in possession, and he is willing to progress play if the opportunity presents itself, which would give much-needed control to the United side.

Furthermore, the Brazil star plays in Fernando Diniz’s demanding side, which is fluid and willing to play the ball out from the back. Ten Hag also wants to progress to using his goalkeeper Andre Onana in the build-up, and Andre would allow the boss to implement that philosophy, as he is used to playing one touch in his own box. His calmness in possession, ability to evade the press using his quick feet, and awareness are attributes that Casemiro cannot provide.

Andre Trindade with Fluminense teammates.

Andre’s defensive stats aren’t near Casemiro's – who averages 3.03 tackles per 90, for instance – but that is going to be the case when he plays for a side that dominates the ball in almost every game. However, his energy and ability to win duels in the middle of the park make up for that.

Overall, Andre would be an excellent signing for Man United, and he would improve their approach massively, focusing on ball retention and not always forcing the ball forward. The 22-year-old has plenty of room to develop, so the Red Devils would be buying a future gem, not just a player who could improve the team now.

If it’s not United, whoever signs up Andre will be getting themselves a bargain.

Spurs lining up bid for "elite" £10m Dragusin alternative

Tottenham Hotspur have navigated away from the dark patch before the festive period and returned to form across multiple fronts, in contention for the top four in the Premier League and having advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

It certainly hasn't been plain sailing, with the Lilywhites' issues over the past few months an unfortunate by-product of the squad's certain thinness, exacerbated by the numerous absences of key players.

But manager Ange Postecoglou has posed the pertinent questions in the boardroom and Tottenham are making moves in the transfer market this month, with a surprise loan move lined up for former Chelsea forward Timo Werner.

Spurs in talks to sign £50m Werner partner who would supercharge Maddison

Ange Postecoglou’s side appear to be busy in the January transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 6, 2024

The backline remains the priority, however, and Spurs are addressing this issue and searching for the perfect new addition.

Spurs transfer news – Loic Bade

According to one Spanish news outlet, Tottenham are lining up a formal offer for Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade and could advance their interest over the coming days.

Sevilla have fallen by the wayside this year but Bade, aged 23, has been a pillar of strength in the backline, and if Postecoglou wishes to snap him up Spurs will surely need to surpass the €12m (£10m) fee paid for his services in the summer.

It's been no secret that Spurs have been pursuing a deal for Genoa's Radu Dragusin over the past few weeks but discussions have become protracted of late, with Serie A champions Napoli now allegedly looking to steal a swoop.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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Luke Randall

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Loic Bade's style of play

Nottingham Forest signed Bade on loan from Rennes at the eleventh hour on transfer deadline day in 2022 but the Frenchman failed to make a single appearance, a victim of the Tricky Trees' bloated squad.

Joining Sevilla on an initial loan deal 12 months ago, Bade has now chalked up 43 displays for his La Liga side, and having been described as "confident and assured" by former teammate Ignatius Ganago, he is now starting to live up to such praise with some stellar showings.

As per Sofascore, Bade has impressed over his 12 matches in the Spanish top-flight this season, completing 81% of his passes, averaging two tackles, 1.5 interceptions, five ball recoveries and 4.3 clearances per game while succeeding with 64% of his contested duels – with that latter metric above Micky van de Ven (61%) this season.

Loic Bade: Key Strengths

# Tackling

# Intercepting

# Passing

# Dribbling

*Sourced via WhoScored

The £55k-per-week ace is enterprising with his passing and this is perhaps why he is not the most accurate with his distribution, but having been described as an "elite talent" by well-regarded scout Jacek Kulig, it's clear that he a move to a team like Tottenham could take him to that next level.

An energetic and tenacious player, Bade also ranks among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles made per 90, as per FBref, underpinning that robustness that has urged Postecoglou and Spurs technical director Johan Lange to line him up as an alternative to Dragusin.

On that earlier point of passing accuracy, Dragusin has only completed 83% of his passes in Italy this year and is considered an excellent prospect; with Sevilla and Genoa fighting deeper down their respective tables than Tottenham, who are steeped in fluidity and crispness in possession, it is difficult to reach statistics of someone like Van de Ven.

One thing is certain, either target would mark a clear upgrade on Eric Dier, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign and pursued by Bayern Munich, somewhat surprisingly, having started just one Premier League match all season.

It's clear that Dragusin is Tottenham's number one target and that's fine; he's a great defender. But Bade is proving himself to be one of the best players in a rather dismal Sevilla side, and he would be a credit to Spurs blooming system under Postecoglou.

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