BCCI gets 'government assurances' to provide Pakistan visas for T20 World Cup

Pakistan’s cricket players will get visas to compete in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India this October, the BCCI’s apex council has been told by the board secretary Jay Shah following “government assurances”.Shah spoke to the council in a video conference meeting held on Friday, where it was also decided that the mega-event will be staged across nine venues, with Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium hosting the final. The other venues are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Dharamsala and Lucknow.”The visa issue of Pakistan cricket team has been sorted. However, whether the fans can travel across the border to watch matches is still not clear,” a council member told PTI.”It will be decided in due course of time. However, we had promised ICC that it will be sorted. The secretary announced during the meeting.”India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket for close to a decade now due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries; Pakistan last toured the country for a bilateral series in 2012.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة بيراميدز وحرس الحدود اليوم في الدوري المصري.. والمعلق

يستعد فريق بيراميدز لخوض مباراة قوية أمام منافسه حرس الحدود اليوم الأربعاء، بالمباراة التي تجمع بينهما في إطار لقاءات الدوري المصري.

وتقام مباراة بيراميدز أمام منافسه غزل المحلة، على ملعب استاد الدفاع الجوي، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الـ13 من منافسات الدوري المصري.

ويخوض فريق بيراميدز مباراته وهو محتلًا المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 26 نقطة.

بيراميدز خاض 12 مباراة، حقق الفوز في 8 مواجهات وتعادل 3 مرات وتلقى هزيمة وحيدة، كما سجل لاعبوه 21 هدفًا واستقبلت شباكه 7 أهداف.

طالع | على رأسهم رمضان صبحي.. بيراميدز يعلن أسباب غياب 6 لاعبين عن مباراة حرس الحدود

أما فريق حرس الحدود والباحث عن الفوز السادس له هذا الموسم، فيتواجد في المركز السادس بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 18 نقطة.

وحقق فريق حرس الحدود، 5 انتصارات خلال الموسم الجاري، بينما تعادل في 3 مواجهات وتلقى 4 هزائم، وسجل لاعبوه 12 هدف واستقبلت شباكه 11 أخرين. موعد مباراة بيراميدز وحرس الحدود اليوم في الدوري المصري

وتنطلق المباراة بين بيراميدز وحرس الحدود، اليوم الأربعاء 12 فبراير الجاري، في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والثامنة بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة بيراميدز وحرس الحدود اليوم

وتذاع المباراة بين فريقي بيراميدز وحرس الحدود، عبر فضائية أون تايم سبورتس 2. معلق مباراة بيراميدز وحرس الحدود في الدوري المصري

وأسندت شبكة قنوات أون تايم سبورتس مهمة نقل أحداث وفعاليات المباراة للمعلق محمد الشاذلي.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Better than Isak: Liverpool favourites to sign “one of the best in the PL”

da betcris: Those of a Liverpool persuasion will feel battered and bruised after Arne Slot’s side’s staggering drop-off this season.

da blaze casino: The slew of defeats have forced a retreat from their position at the top of the Premier League ladder, and as Alexis Mac Allister said after arresting the losing run at West Ham United on Sunday, the title is not on anyone’s mind; rather, finding a measure of consistency and fluency on the pitch is the incentive right now.

Liverpool might have spent a bucketload this summer, but they also parted with key players, with writer Eddie Gibbs saying, “Liverpool right now look like a side caught between three different ideas of themselves, with none taking root.”

A few tweaks are needed, to be sure. And Liverpool are considering a new wide forward to restore balance across the frontline.

Why Liverpool want a forward

When Liverpool capped off their summer spending spree with the British-record addition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, the Premier League was in concert: Liverpool had signed a host of elite players.

And while Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the club on Saturday, it’s been a testing start to the season, with injuries and a lack of fluency a by-product of Liverpool’s wider struggles.

Florian Wirtz, too, looks like he is starting to click into gear, but the Reds have been imbalanced in the final third, and adding width would open up a new dimension from which Slot could rebuild his side’s form.

Well, according to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are frontrunners in the race for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has been among the standout forwards in the Premier League this season.

The Ghana international, 25, has a £65m release clause which becomes active in January, and so Liverpool are not alone in their interest, with Manchester City and Tottenham also ready to lodge bids if the right opportunity presents itself.

In fact, Pep Guardiola’s side have initiated contact, so it’s time for Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to roll up his sleeves.

Why Semenyo would be a better signing than Isak

Semenyo has only gone from strength to strength since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in the Championship in January 2023. Andoni Iraola has taken that promising skillset and sculpted it into something special.

Now, Semenyo is considered to be “one of the best players in the league” by BBC writer Umir Irfan and it’s a sentiment many would agree with after a prolific start to the campaign, six goals and three assists posted in the Premier League already.

Two-footed and effortlessly dynamic, Semenyo has proved too tricky to handle for many Premier League defenders in recent memory, something of a monster in the duel and a fearsome, rip-roaring asset down the wing. He is a big-game player besides.

The thing is, Semenyo is conservative in his athletic application; he does not prance about with the force of an uncoiled spring. In this he echoes Luis Diaz, who brought a different flavour to Slot’s title-winning team and has not been directly replaced.

Perhaps Semenyo could be the signing that Liverpool need, one which would prove even more impactful than Isak, who has yet to prove he is worth the record sum, even when banked by such illustrious heights in black and white over the past several years.

League Stats 25/26 – Cody Gakpo vs Antoine Semenyo

Match Stats (* per game)

Gakpo

Semenyo

Matches (starts)

13 (11)

12 (12)

Goals

4

6

Assists

3

3

Touches*

43.5

49.6

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (0.5)

2.2 (1.2)

Accurate passes*

19.1 (79%)

19.9 (77%)

Chances created*

1.9

1.3

Dribbles*

1.2

1.8

Recoveries*

2.7

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.9

1.8

Duels won*

5.2

6.3

Data via Sofascore

Gakpo has enjoyed a quietly effective season on the left so far for Liverpool, even against the current of their crisis. However, he is far less mobile than Semenyo, and he lacks the clarity and sparkle on the ball that Semenyo imbues the Cherries flanks with.

It really cannot be understated how unique Semenyo is. This is a winger who is making incremental gains, a winger who could now bloom into a true superstar not only in the Premier League but in Europe’s elite club competition too.

Liverpool have been imbalanced this season, and this is the profile that Liverpool need. It has the potential to be the best signing of the season for the Reds, albeit one which should have been completed back at the start of the campaign.

Better move than Semenyo: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £53m "machine"

Liverpool and FSG are considering a host of positions ahead of the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 1, 2025

IPL Governing Council yet to meet and finalise dates

Although multiple cities earmarked, key decision on final venues yet to be announced

Nagraj Gollapudi04-Mar-2021Even as teams start to prepare for the tournament, the IPL has not yet announced the dates as well as the venue for the event. Concerned officials have pointed out that a final decision is set to be taken at an IPL Governing Council meeting, but no date for that has been fixed yet.Related

Dhoni in Chennai as CSK promise tight bio-bubble for IPL 2021 preparation

Mumbai set to miss out on IPL staging due to Covid-19 spike

It is understood the meeting is likely to take place around the closing days of the fourth and final Test of the England series, which started in Ahmedabad on March 4. However, none of the BCCI’s top brass as well as IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel have spoken out in public on details of the tournamentAlthough the IPL has chalked out a window for the tournament, the key hurdle for the BCCI has been finalising the venues. Having made up its mind to conduct the tournament in India after successfully organising domestic limited-overs tournaments as well as the ongoing England series, the BCCI had originally earmarked Mumbai along with Pune and Ahmedabad as the venues to conduct the 2021 edition.However, the number of rising Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra, where the state government has imposed fresh restrictions including no crowds, forced the IPL to mobilise an alternative plan. That involves conducting the tournament at multiple cities with Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad being put on the potential shortlist.One reason behind the delay is that the IPL was waiting for the Election Commission of India to announce the poll dates of several states including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, and if it would clash with the tournament. While Tamil Nadu elections are scheduled for April 7, the polls would be conducted in multiple phases in West Bengal between late March and April 29 with results out on May 4.

Villa plotting move for £26m "warrior" who’d be perfect next to Barkley

Aston Villa will play football of the first order next season, competing in the Champions League after securing a fourth-place Premier League finish in Unai Emery's first full year at the helm.

Swerving the perils of falling on the wrong side of profit and sustainability rules is of chief importance for Aston Villa, who would see their hard work unravel like a loose spool of string if PSR were to be breached.

And it's perhaps for this reason that the astute decision was taken to sign Ross Barkley from Luton Town for £5m, the English midfielder enjoying an excellent and resurgent campaign in English football and now returning to his former loan outfit to add depth and doggedness.

What else might occur in the weeks and months to come? Navigating the tortuous hotbed of financial rules and regulations will not be easy and several outgoings could be necessary – Jacob Ramsey, Diego Carlos and Douglas Luiz are among those to face the exit.

With Boubacar Kamara not expected back until October or November after rupturing his ACL at the start of the year, the centre of the park is a priority position for Monchi and Co this summer.

Luckily, Villa Park boasts the savvy operators requisite for a smooth and positive window.

Aston Villa targetting midfielder

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are interested in signing Matteo Guendouzi in a €30m (£26m) deal this summer, with the Frenchman previously playing for Emery at Arsenal, featuring 66 times.

Guendouzi joined Lazio on loan from Marseille for the 2023/24 campaign with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, but after falling out with manager Igor Tudor, who was formerly his boss at Marseille, he wishes to be sold.

Matteo Guendouzi at Lazio

Newcastle United and West Ham United are in the mix and Everton have already seen a proposal rejected, but Villa are seeking a player of a specific skill set and the 25-year-old's past relationship with Emery could be used to their advantage.

Why Aston Villa want to sign Matteo Guendouzi

Emery is one of the sharpest tools in the managerial toolbox and will no doubt wish to improve his squad and prevent it from ossifying this summer.

Villa has dipped its toes into the deep pool of Europe's elite but such success can only be viewed as the foundation of future prosperity to cement the newfound position.

Former Arsenal player Matteo Guendouzi

Arsenal signed Guendouzi from Lorient in an £8m deal in 2018 and enjoyed his services for four years, though the last two seasons were spent out on loan at Hertha Berlin and Marseille.

The Poissy-born ace admitted that he "didn't have the best relationship" with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta in what prompted him to leave the Emirates Stadium for good two years ago, but this only highlights the bond between the Frenchman and Emery – the Villa boss lauding the youngster as a "very big positive surprise" amid his early impact in north London.

To return to Villa's interest, Guendouzi is a highly talented player, hailed as "something special" by journalist Aaron West in the past, earning eight caps for Les Bleus and demonstrating qualities as a more attack-minded midfielder in recent years, something that he was not while on Arsenal's books.

But he still made 81 appearances for Arsenal and has now turned Emery's gaze back in his direction, a testament to his ability to weather adversity after failing to make it work out at a prestigious club in the Premier League. But perhaps now he can take a second shot on English shores?

He even made the final Golden Boy shortlist in 2019 alongside some exceptional names – highlighting the inborn quality that could reach its peak at Villa, playing under Emery once again.

The 20 Nominees…

Alphonso Davies

Vinicius Junior

Matthjis De Ligt

Lee Kang-in

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Moise Kean

Ansu Fati

Andriy Lunin

Joao Felix

Donyell Malen

Phil Foden

Mason Mount

Matteo Guendouzi

Rodrygo

Erling Haaland

Jadon Sancho

Kai Havertz

Ferran Torres

Dejan Joveljic

Nicolo Zaniolo

And while he might have suffered a fall-out with his boss at Lazio, he enjoyed a lively season in Serie A, completing 33 matches, scoring two goals, adding three assists and averaging 3.6 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

The 6 foot 1 midfielder, moreover, is energetic and athletic in his performances, and while he doesn't always balance his defensive workload with his desire to attack with freedom and expression, Guendouzi is a driven player and he could work wonders alongside Barkley.

Luton midfielder Ross Barkley

Barkley is now 30 years old but his performances with Luton, who were relegated, in the Premier League this season bespeak his quality and the impact he could make in improving Emery's build-up structure.

As per Sofascore, Barkley scored five goals and supplied four assists from 32 Premier League games for the Hatters, completing 85% of his passes and averaging 1.5 key passes, tackles and clearances, 2.1 dribbles, 6.3 ball recoveries and 6.1 successful duels on match average.

As per FBref, the powerful Liverpudlian ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 3% for shots taken, the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing his attacking skill and his ability to breeze past opponents with the ball at his feet.

This robust output would indeed prove to work a treat alongside Guendouzi, who would find a vast area-covering partner to allow him to strut his stuff. Such a system would demand an all-important holding midfielder to anchor the middle circle, but if Douglas Luiz is still plying his trade at Villa Park come September, the Lions faithful need not worry.

Pundit Alan Shearer once lauded him as a "warrior" following a performance against Villa, so he's proven that he has what it takes to make an impact in Emery's slick and stylish system.

Aston Villa eyeing "remarkable" £30m Leon Bailey rival

Emery could turn towards a prodigious young Argentinian to bolster his attack this summer…

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 3, 2024

Retrospectiva LANCE!: com pouco, Mancini fez o que deu no Corinthians; com mais, Sylvinho desagradou

MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin: O torcedor de futebol nunca está 100% satisfeito com seu time e não raramente as insatisfações caem, em sua maioria, no colo do treinador. Em 2021, no Corinthians, não foi diferente. Com dois técnicos durante o ano, o time não foi brilhante em momento algum, mas fechou a temporada passando a impressão que quem teve pouco fez mais do que quem teve muito.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansRetrospectiva LANCE!: contestado, ataque do Corinthians teve 2021 de altos, baixos e adições importantesCorinthians19/12/2021CorinthiansRetrospectiva LANCE!: meio-campo do Corinthians teve 2021 com reforços e indefiniçõesCorinthians19/12/2021CorinthiansRetrospectiva 2021: relembre o ano do Corinthians em 12 fotosCorinthians18/12/2021

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> Veja tabela e simulador do Paulistão-2021 clicando aqui

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GALERIA
>Relembre o aproveitamento dos técnicos do Corinthians neste século

Dificilmente o corintiano vai reclamar da forma que a equipe terminou o Brasileirão-2021, ou seja, com uma vaga direta na fase de grupos da Libertadores. Isso porque, no início do ano, dificilmente alguém apostaria que o clube pudesse brigar nesse nível da tabela. Aliás, muito pelo contrário, a tendência parecia ser uma briga contra o rebaixamento para a Série B.

Mas ao mesmo tempo, o torcedor não vai colocar esse resultado na conta de Sylvinho, que foi o segundo técnico do Corinthians na temporada. Foi ele o responsável por toda a campanha do Brasileirão e pela eliminação para o Atlético-GO na terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. Definitivamente, o ex-jogador do Timão não agradou e terminou 2021 altamente contestado pelos alvinegros.

Para o torcedor, a qualificação do elenco durante o segundo semestre não teve a companhia da evolução coletiva do time. E, de fato, a equipe ficou devendo. Mesmo com Giuliano, Renato Augusto, Róger Guedes e Willian, as atuações estiveram bem longe de ser agradáveis ou elogiáveis. Na maioria das vezes, as vitórias vieram “na marra” ou na individualidade, sem contar a oscilação dentro e fora de casa, em partidas que a intensidade parecia longe da exigência atual.

Os números de Sylvinho também não ajudam. Foram 40 partidas, 15 vitórias, 13 empates e 12 derrotas, com aproveitamento de apenas 48,33%, ou seja, conquistou menos da metade dos pontos que disputou. A situação piora quando a comparação é com Vagner Mancini, primeiro técnico do ano. Ele teve 31 partidas, 13 vitórias, 9 empates e 9 derrotas: 51,61% de aproveitamento.

É verdade, os índices são bem parecidos, mas as condições foram completamente diferentes. Mancini começou o ano completando a temporada anterior, com um time que ele teve que recuperar de uma incômoda briga contra o rebaixamento. Sem grandes investimentos e lidando com uma reformulação em curso, o treinador parecia fazer o que era possível.

Mancini conseguiu fechar um Brasileirão-2020 na 12ª posição, no lucro, e mostrou um certo trabalho, potencializando as qualidades do time e protegendo as deficiências. Não dava para pensar muito mais do que aquilo. Tanto é que a eliminação na Copa Sul-Americana foi inevitável e, apesar da boa campanha no Paulistão, ser eliminado pelo Palmeiras na semifinal era algo natural, mas a demissão veio. Foi atingido um limite, a mudança era necessária.

Fernando Lázaro assumiu o comando interinamente por dois jogos na fase de grupos da Sula, já com o time eliminado. Foram duas vitórias por goleada: uma por 5 a 0 e outra por 4 a 0. Enquanto isso, o clube recebeu as negativas de Renato Gaúcho e Diego Aguirre, que depois assumiram Flamengo e Internacional, respectivamente. A partir daí, foi decidido pela aposta em Sylvinho que, como dito acima, acabou não agradando o torcedor.

Confira os números dos treinadores do Corinthians no ano de 2021:

Vagner Mancini
31 jogos
13 vitórias
9 empates
9 derrotas
51,61% de aproveitamento
43 gols marcados – 1,39 gol por jogo
34 gols sofridos – 1,1 gol por jogo
Terminou o Brasileirão-2020 em 12º lugar
Eliminado na fase de grupos da Sul-Americana
Eliminado na semifinal do Paulistão

Fernando Lázaro (interino)
2 jogos
2 vitórias
100% de aproveitamento
9 gols marcados – 4,5 gol por jogo
Nenhum gol sofrido

Sylvinho
​40 jogos
15 vitórias
13 empates
12 derrotas
48,33% de aproveitamento
40 gols marcados – 1 gol por jogo
38 gols sofridos – 0,95 gol por jogo
5º lugar no Brasileirão-2021
Eliminado na terceira fase da Copa do Brasil

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Kai Havertz & Jurrien Timber make unwanted Premier League history with incredible stat after Arsenal's backs-to-the-wall display against Man City

Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw against Manchester City as Gunners stars Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber brought up an abysmal Premier League record.

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  • Arsenal draw 2-2 against Man City
  • Timber and Havertz make unwanted record
  • Completed zero passes despite playing 89+ minutes
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  • AFP

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Mikel Arteta's men were just minutes away from making their way to the top of the Premier League table as Arsenal led 2-1 against Manchester City well into injury time before John Stones equalised for the Manchester side to keep them atop the table.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Arsenal put on a very backs-to-the-wall performance at the Etihad Stadium to try and get a result against City. However, Havertz and Timber were not able to match the level of the match on the night as both the Arsenal stars ended the game with zero passes completed despite playing more than 89 minutes. As per OptaJoe, this is the first time since the 2003-04 season, that an outfield player has done so in the Premier League.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Havertz attempted a total of five passes and failed to complete all of them on the night, while Timber attempted six passes not to place a single one of them accurately at a teammate.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

    The Gunners stars will have a perfect opportunity to bounce back to form as Arsenal will be in action next when they take on League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, September 25.

زكي عبد الفتاح لـ"بطولات": وضع لاعب الأهلي يشبه روبنسون.. وكولر لم يمنحه الفرصة للتطور

أعرب زكي عبد الفتاح، مدرب حراس مرمى منتخب مصر السابق، عن استغرابه من موقف السويسري مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، تجاه أحد لاعبي الفريق، مشيرًا إلى أنه لا يفهم سبب اقتناع المدرب به هجوميًا فقط.

وقال عبد الفتاح في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “لا أفهم سبب عدم اقتناع كولر بكريم الدبيس دفاعيًا، رغم قناعته به هجوميًا، ولكن السؤال هنا: كيف لم ينجح كولر في تطويره دفاعيًا؟ هذه مسؤولية المدرب”. 

كولر: سعيد بأداء لاعب الأهلي “رغم عصبيته” أمام الإسماعيلي

وأضاف: “كولر لا يفضل إشراك الدبيس كظهير أيسر رئيسي عندما يعتمد على أربعة لاعبين في الخط الخلفي، لأنه يرى أن اللاعب لا يؤدي المهام الدفاعية بالشكل المطلوب، وأنا أتفق مع كولر في أن الدبيس لا يدافع جيدًا، لكن في النهاية، هذه أيضًا مسؤوليته كمدرب”. 

وضرب عبد الفتاح مثالًا بتطور أداء بعض اللاعبين في مراكز مشابهة، قائلًا: “أنطوني روبنسون، ظهير فولهام، كان سريعًا وقويًا هجوميًا لكنه لم يكن جيدًا دفاعيًا”،

واستكمل: “ومع ذلك نجح مدربه في تطويره إلى درجة جعلت محمد صلاح يجد صعوبة كبيرة في مواجهته، بل إنه ربما يكون أكثر ظهير ضايق صلاح”. 

واختتم عبد الفتاح تصريحاته بالتأكيد على أن “مسؤولية المدرب هي تطوير الظهير دفاعيًا طالما أنه يمتلك سمات هجومية جيدة”.

Ratcliffe ready to pay "complete" £60m star £120k-p/w to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United are now reportedly willing to splash the cash this summer in order to land one particular target in an attempt to bolster Erik ten Hag's attacking options once and for all.

Man Utd transfer news

Whilst it's easy to focus on United's backline when aiming criticism the way of Old Trafford, the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony endured incredibly disappointing seasons, especially the former, who lost his England place as a result. By the end of the campaign, Rashford had managed just seven Premier League goals and two assists to highlight his struggle to become United's main man on a consistent basis.

With that said, it's clear that the Red Devils need an attacking boost through the summer transfer window in the coming months. And even though links have already emerged with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, those at Old Trafford could yet turn to another option.

According to The Mirror, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now prepared to double Matheus Cunha's wages to seal his signature from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who value the forward at £60m. The former Atletico Madrid man has starred since making a permanent move to the Midlands and could now be handed the ultimate reward that would see his wages go from a reported £60k-a-week to £120k-a-week at United.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

Still just 25 years old, Cunha scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, just under double the amount that Rashford managed. It won't be easy to tempt Wolves into a sale, but Ratcliffe's chequebook may prove to be the deciding factor in the coming months.

"Complete" Cunha can unleash Rashford

If this season has shown anything, it's that Rashford needs another player capable of creating within Manchester United's attacking options. As clinical as Rasmus Hoijlund has been at times, he is not a creator, whilst Alejandro Garnacho is still too young to carry the full responsibility. And that's where Cunha should come in this summer. The impact that he's made on the Wolves attack is clear, helping the Midlands side go from strugglers to entertainers in the Premier League.

Goals

12

7

Assists

7

2

Expected Goals

9.5

7.3

Key Passes

28

23

The fact that Cunha managed to remain clinical in front of goal and show his ability to create throughout the campaign makes the praise of former manager Julen Lopetegui no surprise. Lopetegui said via Planet Sport: "The most important thing is that he's a complete player. We've talked about this and I think that we can use him in different situations.

"He's a forward, of course, but it depends on our way to play, he can play in the middle as an attacking forward, as a second forward or maybe in the wing. We are going to change depending on the situation with him, but that's normal for the kinds of players we have."

Chimbonda says Tottenham have a Kudus-like youngster who Frank needs to play

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has been urged to play a youngster who former Spurs right-back Pascal Chimbonda says is just like Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs head into next Sunday’s North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium with genuine hope that their star attacker will be fit to face Arsenal, though he missed their last two crucial matches and didn’t travel with the Ghana squad to face Japan and South Korea.

The 25-year-old, who started every Premier League game this season before his recent knock, has been one of Spurs’ most effective players, registering four Premier League assists and scoring his first goal for the club away to Leeds just before the last international break.

Kudus’ impact since arriving from West Ham in the summer has been transformative, and he’s established himself as the creative heartbeat of Tottenham’s attack. The forward’s absence was pretty evident in their 2-2 draw with Man United, where Spurs lacked the directness and spark that has made Kudus such a pivotal figure in Frank’s system.

The Lilywhites boss has been optimistic about his chances of featuring at Arsenal, though, telling the media that Kudus should be available for the clash.

With Tottenham already decimated by injuries to key players, Kudus’ potential return would be a massive boost. The winger’s excellent form before his knock makes him arguably Tottenham’s most important attacking player, and Frank will be desperate to have him available for a fixture where Spurs desperately need to end their Emirates hoodoo.

Tottenham absentee list

Problem

Estimated return date (subject to change)

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

According to WhoScored, no other player in the Premier League has averaged a greater number of completed dribbles per 90 than the ex-West Ham star this season, and he’s also the ninth-best performing player in the entire division overall.

Kudus could play a key role in breaking down a resolute Arsenal backline and the best defence in Europe’s top five leagues, but according to Chimbonda, Frank has another young, direct winger who could also provide that extra injection of threat.

Thomas Frank urged to play Wilson Odobert with Mohammed Kudus comparison made

Speaking to Spurs Web, the ex-Tottenham defender says Frank would have a lot more luck going forward if he started Wilson Odobert on the left-hand side more often.

The Frenchman was recently heralded for his ‘best performance in a Spurs shirt’ in their 4-0 rout of FC Copenhagen last week, and the winger bagged an assist against Man United after coming off the bench to replace the injured Randal Kolo Muani.

The 20-year-old contributed three goals during an injury-disrupted debut season, and enjoyed a memorable night against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League Round of 16, where his double helped Spurs overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Brennan Johnson has struggled since being displaced from his preferred right-wing position by Kudus too, failing to replicate form which saw the Welshman finish last term as their top scorer.

With the likes of Kudus, Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel all competing with him for a starting spot, rotation is hardly a surprise, but Johnson has failed to impress off the left, and Odobert has started to feature more in that role in recent weeks.

Tel has showed promise in brief cameos, doing in five minutes what Richarlison failed to do in 84 against United. However, he remains inconsistent and relatively raw. Simons can also play on the left wing, but Spurs need the Dutchman to inspire in a more central attacking midfield role.

Odobert represents the best option to start against Arsenal on November 23, with his pace and directness potentially giving Jurrien Timber something to really think about.

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