Premier League runners-up Tottenham are leading the way to land Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva, alongside former champions Leicester City, according to reports from Portuguese newspaper Corrieo da Manha (via Sport Witness).
What’s the word?
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are, alongside the Foxes, front-runners in the race to sign Portuguese international Adrien Silva this summer as the north Londoners look to build on two very impressive seasons under the Argentine boss.
The £21.25m-rated midfielder, who came off the bench to play the last half-an-hour for his nation in their Confederations Cup draw with Mexico on Sunday, looks to be nearing an exit and could well be on his way to the Premier League.
Leicester were linked with a move for the 28-year-old last summer, however, Spurs now seem to be making a move having reportedly had a bid rejected for Silva last week.
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Dier hint?
It could well be. If the north Londoners, who will play their home games at Wembley Stadium in the coming season as development continues on their new ground, are making a move one a deal for the midfielder, it could suggest they fear the worst over Eric Dier.
The England international has been linked with a move to Manchester United, having lost his regular midfield spot last season thanks to the form of Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele.
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If Dier were to stay put in the new season, there would be no real need to add to the midfield, with Harry Winks also offering depth in the position.
As reported by The Mirror, Everton, Leicester City and Chelsea all hold an interest in signing Burnley’s in-form defender Michael Keane.
What’s the word?
With Michael Keane showing the kind of form that is prompting England international call-ups, a host of Premier League clubs are tracking his progress, with Everton the latest to join the fray.
The Mirror reports that Chelsea, Everton and Leicester City are all interested in the young centre-back and could be motivated to make a move in the January transfer window.
The paper suggests that Burnley are not keen on selling, however, especially in January, but Koeman hopes an early move could prevent the youngster from joining Premier League rivals.
His future is bright
Keane is on the verge of winning his first international cap; in October he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad as a replacement for the injured Glen Johnson but didn’t appear against Malta or Slovenia.
The 23-year-old has put in some solid performances already this season, most notably against Liverpool at Turf Moor and away to Manchester United – which both ended in Burnley clean sheets.
That’s proven he has what it takes to perform at the top level after playing a starring role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League last season.
While he’s played for the interested Leicester on loan before, perhaps the chance to work under a former centre-back in Ronald Koeman will prove more tempting.
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Whatever his future holds, we reckon it’s bright and any club making a move for him could have a real star on their hands.
Chelsea face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, a fixture which is typically preceded by articles condemning the latter’s lack of silverware and Arsene Wenger’s admittedly terrible record against Jose Mourinho; losing seven, drawing six and winning just one of their 14 previous showdowns. That’s if you count the Community Shield as a genuine showdown, of course.
Yet, it feels like the tables have turned ahead of Saturday’s 12.45pm kickoff, with the 4th place Gunners 13 positions higher and six points better off than their west London rivals in the Premier League table. Indeed, their title defence has start off in pretty much the worst manner possible – three defeats and just four points from five games.
So with that in mind, Football Fancast have decided to reverse all the usual anti-Wenger badgering – something I’m as guilty of as anyone – by considering what The Special One could learn from the considerably more modest Professeur. So without further ado, here’s the FOUR things we came up with.
STAYING CLASSY
I have no doubt Jose Mourinho knows exactly what he’s doing when taking a few below-the-belt swipes at Arsene Wenger.
Arrogance is often assumed as part of Mourinho’s personality and thus his comments are often interpreted some underlying, uncontrollable rudeness; but there’s no question his infamous descriptions of Le Professeur as ‘a voyeur’ and a ‘specialist in failure’ were pre-meditated to instigate a reaction.
It’s all part of managerial mind-games, which Mourinho indisputably excels in. Yet Wenger has won three Premier League titles and endured considerably lower lows than his Chelsea counter-part without resorting to such underhanded, crude and frankly unprofessional tactics.
Don’t get me wrong, Wenger’s had plenty of controversial moments too. Let’s not forget the era of ‘I did not see zee incident’ and his touchline shoving match with The Special One last season.
But the latter is the only instance in which the Arsenal gaffer has truly lost his cool, despite relentless and repetitive haranguing from Mourinho. Following a poor start to the season in which the Portuguese has already pointed the finger at his medical staff and his players, perhaps it’s time the Chelsea boss demonstrated some of Wenger’s classiness and composure.
DEVELOPING AND TRUSTING YOUNG PLAYERS
With an average age of 26 years and one month, Chelsea boast the fifth-youngest side in the Premier League. But overall, Jose Mourinho has shown a consistent fear towards trusting young players throughout his illustrious career – many of whom from over the last few years have gone on to be hugely successful at other clubs.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule like Oscar, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, all of whom are aged 24 or younger and feature for the Blues regularly.
But compare that to the situation at Arsenal. Over the years, Wenger has developed, nurtured and trusted future top-class talents more than any manager in the Premier League, overseeing the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, Kolo Toure, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wislhere to name a few. Francis Coquelin and Hector Bellerin provide the most recent examples.
Failing to do so at Stamford Bridge can’t all be blamed on Mourinho. The fact of the matter is that every Chelsea manager has struggled to successfully promote academy products to the first team during the Roman Abramovich era, whilst he didn’t stay at Real Madrid or Inter Milan long enough to have a true understanding of their youth systems.
Yet, when witnessing the progress made by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku at Wolfsburg and Everton respectively, you can’t help but feel Mourinho’s dismissive approach has resulted in unnecessary casualties.
A little more patience, like Wenger has consistently shown throughout his north London tenure, could have resulted in both becoming leading players for the Blues.
TAKING THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH
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There’s no doubt about it, Jose Mourinho has a knack of throwing his toys of out the pram whenever things go a bit pear shaped at Stamford Bridge, the end to his first Chelsea tenure being the predominant example.
The Blues had claimed back-to-back titles but after a slow start to his third season in west London, Mourinho suddenly began to criticise the club’s lack of signings and days later agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent – a huge shock to the Chelsea fan base and English football as a collective.
Clearly, the Special One doesn’t have much interest in losing; back in 2007 it felt like he was getting out to avoid any insinuations that he might be at fault for Chelsea not winning a third consecutive league title, which is ultimately what went on to happen.
Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has had to accept reduced transfer budgets due to Arsenal’s move to a new stadium, endure lukewarm campaign after lukewarm campaign and even the club’s biggest stars walking out on him for a better pay cheque elsewhere – particularly Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure.
Throughout, however, Wenger has never publicly questioned his own club’s practices and never even thought about leaving the Gunners for another team. He’s always stuck by them, thick and thin, accepting that the rough and smooth are both equal parts of the parcel.
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Following Chelsea’s poor start to the season, you can’t help but wonder whether Mourinho will actually stick around until May.
CREATING A LEGACY
Encompassing all of my previous points, what Jose Mourinho can learn most from Arsene Wenger is how to create a legacy – something he’s continuously claimed he intends to do at Chelsea since returning in summer 2013.
Indeed, whether you’re a Wenger-phile or a Wenger-phobe, it’s impossible to deny that he’s successfully rebuilt Arsenal towards his own image, his ideals of how the game should be played and his views on how a club should recruit in the modern transfer market.
I’m not suggesting Chelsea should suddenly start investing in a bunch of African teenagers and adopt an often detrimental technically-demanding possession game.
But if Mourinho intends to match Wenger’s 19 years with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, he needs to improve the club’s self sufficiency in terms of recruitment, accept that not every season will bare gigantic hoards of silverware and perhaps most importantly of all, learn that patience is crucial to longevity.
Better manners wouldn’t go amiss either. But something tells me Jose Mourinho enjoys winding up his colleagues a bit too much to start playing Mr Nice Guy.
Tottenham winger Erik Lamela believes that it is unfair that he’s being compared to former White Hart Lane idol Gareth Bale.
The Argentine arrived at Spurs over the summer in a deal that was part funded by the Welshman’s world-record switch to Real Madrid.
With Lamela operating in a similar position to Bale, and arriving in a period when the London club were replacing their former hero, naturally he Roma has been compared to his predecessor.
The 21-year-old has made a stuttering start to life at Tottenham, which has seen some question whether or not he will justify his £25.8m price-tag.
But, the youngster netted his first goal in the club’s Thursday night win of Sheriff Tiraspol leading some to suggest that he may kick on and emulate Bale.
However, Lamela feels that it is wrong that he is being compared to last season’s Premier League Player of the Year:
“Bale is Bale, I am Erik Lamela,” he is quoted by The Metro.
“Bale is at Real Madrid, one of the most important clubs in the world. He is who he is and I am who I am.
“People have said many things about me and about the other players who joined last summer. Everyone can bring his own qualities and give his best for the team but it is wrong to say I was brought here to replace Bale.”
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Will Erik Lamela have a similar impact at Tottenham to Gareth Bale?
If Arsenal’s recent exploits in the transfer market could be defined in one simple phrase, it would read ‘from invincible to incredibly vulnerable’. Whereas the likes of Manchester United are ruthless in their pursuit of targets and similarly defiant in thwarting any unwanted bids, it would appear that every Arsenal player has his price. Without wanting to seem callous, it strikes me that rival managers often bully Arsene Wenger into granting them the freedom to lure away his best players.
Arsenal are no longer the most desirable club to play for in the Premier League, which is why their trend of allowing contracts to run down into their final year continues to baffle. The once popular figures of Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie have effectively exploited their contract situation in order force a move away, with Theo Walcott looking like he could soon follow suit. The club’s ability to attract the crème de la crème is made increasingly difficult by the financial restrictions of their self-sufficient business model. The priority should therefore focus on maintaining of the services of their existing personnel, but it seems the foundations for a title winning side are continually ripped away.
Of course when players do commit to long-term contracts, it doesn’t guarantee loyalty but it does put the club firmly in a position of power during negotiations. Wenger deserves a lorry load of praise for extracting £20m+ from both Manchester outfits, but it’s of little consolation when you’re enhancing the title hopes of your rivals as your own chances suffer in the process. It’s such a shame that Wenger is continually placed in impossible situations when his superiors fail to tie down the club’s best assets.
Arsenal’s strict financial policy warrants as much criticism as it does praise. The club can be commended for continuing to ensure its future wellbeing, but the harsh reality of the modern game is that the best players in the world come with the biggest price tags. When the club pulled out of a deal to sign Nuri Sahin due to a dispute over the percentage of wage contribution, it highlighted how their cost conscious strategy doesn’t allow for flexibility in any circumstances.
It’s painfully obvious that Wenger doesn’t possess the same working relationship with chief executive Ivan Gazidis as he once did with David Dein. The two seem to have been forcefully put together, working towards a distant and unrealistic goal while under constant scrutiny. Gazidis reminds me of a seedy politician when he conducts an interview, constantly evading direct questions to deliver generic and often broad statements. In a recent exposé with the Mirror he was asked whether the club can keep “top players happy and on top contracts,” but diverted away from the topic by insisting the club was on a “really positive path” and that the “financial capability is growing.” This is a man blessed with a business but not a football brain.
Gazidis however, is not in charge of negotiating deals, that’s the role of Dick Law who I have been careful typing into Google ever since learning of his existence. He must accept a portion of blame for the recent misfortunes, especially considering his main contribution last summer consisted of an alarming amount of time spent in Costa Rica completing the signing of Joel Campbell and insulting Bolton with a derisory bid for Gary Cahill. Somewhat bizarrely, the ‘charming Texan’ has his office in the training ground complex, in the same area where the press conferences are held. It’s hardly the best environment to conduct private, delicate negotiations, especially as agents and journalists are likely to rub shoulders in the corridors.
According to reports both Emmanual Frimpong and Andrei Arshavin will see their contracts expire next year alongside Theo Walcott. The Russian winger will be no great loss – other than financially – having tumbled from the limelight after an impressive start to his Gunner’s career. Frimpong on the other hand, struck an instant rapport with the fans after a series of tenacious displays. His departure would be mourned but there are doubts regarding his professionalism and how he will overcome his current injury.
If Arsenal want to avoid repeating the same mistakes then they should already be looking forward towards 2014 with three key players up for renewal. Revered full-back Bacary Sagna, who recently criticised the club for their summer transfer activity may already be a lost cause with Wenger insisting, “If he is not happy, he has to go elsewhere”. However, the club need to move quickly to retain the services of Kieron Gibbs and Wojciech Szczesny, who many believe are the future of the club.
It’s also worth mentioning the role agents play in enabling a players contract to run down to the point of expiry. Their job is to get the best deal for the player (and therefore themselves), and the most effective way to do this is by shifting the balance of power. As soon as the possibility of a player leaving for free becomes a reality, then the agent can slowly crank up his demands as the club becomes more and more desperate. I can’t imagine there are too many agents eager to sit down when there is a significant amount of time left to run on a contract, unless of course a significant pay rise is involved.
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Ironically the only contract that looks like being signed in the near future involves Arsene Wenger, who Gazidis hailed as the “best man to lead us forward”. I can’t help but think the phrase “with one hand tied behind his back” should be added to the end of that sentence.
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Glasgow Rangers are close to signing Jack Butland, with the goalkeeper agreeing on personal terms at Ibrox, The Daily Mail report.
What’s the latest Jack Butland transfer news?
The Gers have endured a real rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to a move for Butland, with rumours of a move first emerging last month. The club were thought to be on the verge of signing the 30-year-old as their first summer addition on a free transfer, however, it appeared as if a transfer twist was in the pipeline in recent days.
Reports suggested that Manchester United, where Butland is currently on loan until the end of the season, were willing to blow Rangers out the water by doubling his salary ahead of a permanent move.
It was described as a potential "huge blow", as Michael Beale "believed he was close" to signing his "main target", hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media. However, it now looks as if a transfer is back on track, with another update coming to light.
According to The Daily Mail, the Nike-sponsored goalkeeper has shown a willingness to fit into the Ibrox wage structure and ‘has agreed a compromise on his personal terms’. A move is once again thought to be close, with the player eager to feature regularly at first team level.
Who else could Rangers sign this summer?
It appears as if Butland could be one of a number of English-based players through the door in Glasgow this summer. Deals have reportedly been agreed for Chelsea’s Dujon Sterling and Norwich City’s Kieran Dowell, with both players also set to become free agents over the coming weeks.
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However, they may not be the last, with up to 10 new additions possibly on the cards. Rangers also seem willing to splash the cash if needed when it comes to new signings, with a move to sign Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes appearing to be close. Arsenal defender Auston Trusty is another player the club could end up spending money on, with a move thought to be doable.
A number of Rangers players are out of contract at the end of the month, so it looks set to be an extremely busy summer ahead of Beale’s first season in charge.
According to a recent report from The Times, Everton manager Marco Silva could be set to reunite with Richarlison at Goodison Park. It was the Portuguese boss that brought the 21-year-old winger to the Premier League with Watford last summer, and the Brazilian certainly produced the goods under the 40-year-old during his brief stint at Vicarage Road, which came to an end back in January.
And it appears that Silva could seek to lure Richarlison to Merseyside this summer, although he should forget about the 21-year-old, as there is only one Watford player Silva should seek to reunite with this summer, namely midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Breakdown
Ultimately, Richarlison deserves great credit for the start he made in English football last season in netting five goals and laying on five assists for Watford all before the turn of the year, making him one the hottest properties in the Premier League at the time.
However, the Brazilian winger then failed to add to either tally as the season wore on to suggest that, despite a fine start, he was beginning to struggle to adapt to the demands of the division, or that defenders were beginning to work him out and stop him playing – it also had some impact on Watford as a whole given they won just four Premier League games in 2018.
Yes, it was under Silva in which the 21-year-old produced his best form at Vicarage Road, and as such that could well happen again at Everton, but the greater consistency of Doucoure, alongside the Toffees’ need for a central midfielder, should be of greater appeal to the new manager.
The 25-year-old made the move to Watford back in 2016 but it was last season in which he really made a name for himself, netting seven goals and laying on four assists for the Hornets as they finished 14th in the Premier League, eight points behind Everton.
And while his goal and assist return will likely to be of interest to manager Silva, it was also his all round game in the middle of the park, be it on the ball in helping launch attacks or indeed off it in breaking up play and screening the backline, that could be invaluable in the heart of the Everton midfield.
Idrissa Gueye is comfortably the best central midfielder at Goodison Park, but Morgan Schneiderlin endured a testing campaign on the whole, despite a solid end to the season, while Wayne Rooney has since joined DC United to leave the midfield ranks somewhat depleted.
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Yet Doucoure’s arrival would not only bolster them but also give Silva a genuine starter in his first team, which is why he should forget about Richarlison and indeed seek to reunite with Watford’s Doucoure at Goodison Park.
England made sure of a first-place finish in Group B of the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win over Japan in Augsberg on Tuesday.Ellen White put England ahead after 15 minutes at SGL Arena when she latched onto a pass from Karen Carney to lob the ball over Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.
They had to wait until the 66th score their second, with substitute Rachel Yankey controlling a cross from Rachel Unitt before putting the ball past Kaihori to secure a win.
The result helped England leapfrog Japan into first place in Group B, with England now meeting France in Leverkusen on Saturday in a quarter-final.
Group B’s other match saw a thriller, as New Zealand scored two goals in injury time to salvage a draw against Mexico. England’s win over Japan, however, meant pride was the only thing at stake.
Goals from Stephany Mayor and Maribel Dominguez gave Mexico a 2-0 lead inside the opening half-hour, but New Zealand hit back in the first minute of stoppage time through Rebecca Smith and Hannah Wilkinson scored another in the 93rd minute to ensure a point.
In Group A, Germany’s 4-2 win over France in Moenchengladbach saw them claim top spot, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Japan on Saturday.
Kerstin Garefrekes put the host nation ahead after 25 minutes and when Inka Grings scored on 32 minutes Germany looked to be in cruise control.
Marie Delie pulled a goal back for France 11 minutes after half-time, but Grings restored a two-goal buffer with her second in the 68th minute.
Laura Georges made it 3-2 four minutes later but Germany finally killed the game off with an 89th-minute goal to Celia Okoyino da Mbabi.
Also in Group A, Nigeria made sure they did not finish bottom when a late goal from Perpetua Nkwocha handed them a 1-0 win over Canada, who go home pointless from their three matches.
Arsenal got the job done tonight against Partizan to book their place in the Champions League knockout stages. It may not have been ideal for us to end up in second place; nonetheless, qualification was the main goal tonight which was accomplished. Here are just 5 things I learnt whilst watching the game last night:
1. 11th year in a row through to last 16 phase
It may not have been the way we had wanted to qualify into the knockout stages of the Champions League, but at least we’re there. This is in fact the 11th consecutive year that Wenger has masterminded Arsenal’s entry into the last 16 of the competition, a feat which means that they are the most consistent out of the English teams.
2. Nasri continues to shine
Two wonderful goals against Fulham last Saturday at the Emirates, and another tonight, what has Samir Nasri been eating lately. The Frenchman looked sharp all night and continued his fine form with a superb team goal in which he finished. No wonder Arsene Wenger wants to offer him a new contract in the imminent future. Long may his form continue.
3. Theo Walcott – The difference maker
Despite the 3-1 win, nothing really got going until Theo Walcott entered the fray. Walcott used his pace and agility to effect tonight and grabbed the vital second goal to ease Arsenal fans nerves. This is not to say his has turned the corner in any way shape or form, because in fairness he still has a bit of improving to do. However, if the 21-year-old can impose his presence like he did tonight on a regular basis, then there is no reason why he can’t become the player we want him to be. Nonetheless, Walcott was the difference maker tonight, end of.
4. Another goal conceded by the Gunners
We got 3 goals, but yet again we managed to leak one as well. To be fair our defence and keeper had a relatively easy night, it’s just a shame to see us concede once again, especially at home. Our weakness shone through tonight, as it has done so many times already this season, luckily for us we were playing a poor opposition in Partizan Belgrade. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen next Monday against United…ok lads?
5. We could play Barcelona
Unfortunately we ended up second in our group, due to Shakhtar Donetsk’s win over Braga, which evidently means we will have to face tougher opposition than expected. Arsenal can only draw 4 possible teams next round due to all other English sides topping their groups. The Gunners could face either, Schalke, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Champions League favourites Barcelona. Yeah ok it’s not an ideal predicament to be in, but it is what it is. Personally I’m not really fussed who we draw in the last 16, as we will have to beat the best to be the best, and if it so happens we draw Barcelona next round then I’m sure Arsenal will give it their best shot.
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Unlike in years past, Arsenal are very well represented when it comes to England squads these days.
The likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are guaranteed starters, while a couple of other players tend to make it into the squad, like Eberechi Eze.
The former Crystal Palace star featured in both games this international break and certainly made his case for a place at the World Cup.
However, his form on the domestic front has been somewhat middling, and if he’s not careful, he could eventually be replaced by one of the brightest talents in the country.
Eze's start to life at Arsenal
Now, to make things clear, Eze is an extraordinarily gifted footballer and has not been bad for Arsenal this season.
However, it would be fair to say that, aside from a goal against his old side and a few moments of magic, he has not exactly hit the ground running just yet.
For example, in 15 appearances for the Gunners, he has scored two goals, one of which was against Port Vale, and provided three assists.
Those are not really the numbers of a marquee summer signing, no less one who managed to produce a sensational tally of 25 goal involvements in 43 games for a significantly worse team last year.
However, there might not be too much to worry about, as according to FBref, he still ranks in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league for shot-creating actions coming from his own shots and the top 5% for goal-creating actions stemming from live passes, per 90.
In other words, while the output has been underwhelming, the 27-year-old still has some promising underlying metrics, which suggest that as he becomes more familiar with the team, the goals and assists should come.
After all, while his performance against Albania was nothing to write home about, fans were reminded just how technically magnificent a player he is with the goal he scored against Serbia.
In all, Eze will more than likely come good for Arteta and Co, but if he doesn’t, Arsenal might already have his perfect long-term replacement.
The Arsenal gem who could replace Eze
In this situation, many fans might instantly think of Ethan Nwaneri, as the 18-year-old already has plenty of first-team experience and is surely set for an England call-up at some point in the next year or so.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, while he might one day become a regular starter in the first team, he has already been somewhat usurped as the most exciting prospect at Arsenal, if not in the country, by Max Dowman.
Yes, it is certainly still early days for the 15-year-old dynamo, but he has been considered one of the next big things for some time now.
For example, in September of last year, talent scout Jacek Kulig boldly proclaimed him as the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”
Then, just two months later, Hale End expert Will Balsam described him as “one of the greatest footballing brains that’s ever come through Hale End” and “the biggest talent in England.”
That might sound like a lot to say about someone who was just 14 at the time, but it probably wasn’t as thoroughly the season he proved time and time again that he is a special talent.
Dowman in 24/25
Appearances
23
Minutes
1945′
Goals
19
Assists
5
Goal Involvements per Match
1.04
Minutes per Goal Involvement
81.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, in 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, he racked up a tally of 19 goals and five assists, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.
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Then, on the pre-season tour, he made it clear that, be it junior or senior football, he was more than capable of, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, “humiliating” opposition players with his incredible close control.
It was this technical brilliance that saw him win a penalty against Leeds United on his Premier League debut, and then again, why he started and shone against Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup.
If that wasn’t enough, the Chelmsford-born teen then became the youngest player in Champions League history against Slavia Prague, and was called a “miracle player” by defender David Zima.
Finally, if fans needed any more convincing that the Hale End gem is truly special, then recent news about him already being considered for England’s U21S should do just that.
Ultimately, Eze is safe from losing his place for now, but if he doesn’t start scoring and assisting more, then he could be usurped by Dowman within a season or two.
The new Rice: Arsenal chasing "generational" midfielder in £100m move
The international star could be as good a signing for Arsenal as Declan Rice has been.