Tag Futebol

The Tottenham Hotspur board have decided to showcase ambition in their hunt for a new manager, with an “elite” name now on their shortlist as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou.

Managers linked with Tottenham as Ange Postecoglou heads towards exit

There is a growing sense behind-the-scenes that chairman Daniel Levy will part company with Postecoglou, regardless of whether Spurs end up winning this year’s Europa League (Matt Law).

Tottenham in contact with ex-Bayern Munich boss to replace Ange Postecoglou

The Australian is being tipped to leave regardless of their European campaign.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 25, 2025

This follows a seriously lacklustre 2024/2025, where Postecoglou hasn’t been dealt the easiest hand, thanks largely to injury issues which have swept through the squad on a consistent basis all season long.

However, 16th in the Premier League after 18 top flight defeats is closer to relegation form than that of a ‘big six’ side, and critics have been arguing that Spurs should be doing far better – regardless of their luck with player availability this term.

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

With Postecoglou now heading towards the exit door, which is more likely than not as things stand (The Telegraph), the Lilywhites are making contingency plans and performing due-diligence on managerial candidates to succeed the Australian.

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked with the job within this past fortnight, while there is some belief that Mauricio Pochettino would be keen on a return to Tottenham after a tough start to life in charge of the USA.

Further abroad, Spurs are big fans of Simone Inzaghi and his work at Inter Milan over the last few seasons (Fabrizio Romano), but the Nerazzurri won’t be keen to lose their successful tactician, who is currently attempting to guide them to a second consecutive Serie A title.

According to reports in Germany, Tottenham have also made contact with Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac, but the former Croatia captain has no interest in leaving the Bundesliga for N17 as things stand.

Tottenham now targeting Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

Now, in a surprise update, it is believed Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is being targeted by Levy and Spurs.

The Italian is one of world football’s most decorated ever managers, having won five Champions League titles across spells at the Bernabeu and AC Milan, with Ancelotti also boasting Premier League title-winning experience from his time at Chelsea.

The 65-year-old also has a Bundesliga title on his CV, having managed Bayern Munich as well, so there is no question Ancelotti brings success wherever he goes. His £8.3 million-per-year contract expires in 2026, and amid Real’s links to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, he faces an uncertain future.

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham’s board have internally discussed moving for Ancelotti, after “key decision-makers” at the club decided to be “bold” and mean business in their pursuit of Postecoglou’s potential replacement.

However, even if Spurs’ interest is there, they would need Ancelotti to be brave enough to consider a switch to Tottenham, and the “elite” head coach will be mindful that other proven winners like José Mourinho and Antonio Conte have come away empty-handed.

Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez is very keen for Diego Simeone to bring in one Chelsea star this summer, and has privately urged his club to do so, according to reports this week.

Enzo Maresca attracting criticism at Chelsea

Having led the club to just five wins from their last 16 Premier League games, it’s been a tough time for manager Enzo Maresca as of late, and this run of form has attracted criticism.

Related Chelsea now prepared to make "hefty" £68m offer for Malo Gusto alternative

The Frenchman has attracted criticism.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

While Maresca is believed to retain the backing of Chelsea’s board for now (The Mail), sections of supporters are starting to question the Italian’s leadership, with boos ringing around Stamford Bridge after their 2-1 defeat to Polish minnows Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Chelsea are in the Conference League semi-finals regardless, and remain firmly in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but the manner of their recent performances are drawing some concern.

Speaking in a post-match press conference after their loss to Legia on Thursday, Maresca suggested he is fully aware of the dissatisfaction right now.

“No, for sure in terms of setback, for sure it’s a setback tonight for us, no doubt, first of all because we lost the game,” said Maresca.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

“But I said yesterday, I think probably the other clubs, as you said, in this moment they can feel more confidence around them, not only Aston Villa, Newcastle, all the clubs around us, but this is football and can change very quickly, so it depends a lot on us. As I said, Sunday for us is one of the finals, and winning that game can give us a final boost to reach our target.

“So in this moment, you win games, you see yourself and you are very happy. If you don’t win, no-one is thinking that you can finish in the right way, but for me it’s just how we manage the emotion.”

Despite an electric start to the campaign, when many viewed Chelsea as potential title contenders, Maresca’s side remain very much a work in progress.

They’ll need their star players to step up and take a leading role during this transition phase, but one of them already is.

Julian Alvarez urges Atlético Madrid to sign Enzo Fernández from Chelsea

Club-record signing Enzo Fernandez is well and truly justifying his price tag right now, becoming an indisputable member of Maresca’s team with some outstanding performances throughout 2024/2025.

Maresca has entrusted the captain’s armband to him this term, with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel praising Fernandez and stating he’s “becoming” a true leader at Cobham.

Some members of the media have even called the Argentine’s contribution “underrated”, but his quality isn’t lost on international teammate Alvarez, who is desperate for Atlético to strike a deal for the midfielder this summer.

That is according to reports out of Spain, which state that Alvarez has privately urged Atlético to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, amid claims the west Londoners will demand a minimum of £69 million to let him go.

However, it is believed that even this figure is beyond Atletico’s capabilities right now, so a transfer is unlikely, even if Maresca’s side entertained the notion of parting company.

After a tough start to life in west London, the player has now fully found his feet, with Fernandez even attracting praise from Lionel Messi during his time at Chelsea.

New Zealand haven’t beaten Bangladesh at their backyard in 13 years, and will aim to do so without several of their heavy-hitters

Mohammad Isam20-Sep-2023

New Zealand bring one-third of their World Cup team

New Zealand have sent only five World Cup-bound players to Bangladesh. Lockie Ferguson leads the side that also includes Trent Boult, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi and Will Young.Related

• Sriram returns as Bangladesh's technical consultant ahead of World Cup

• Stand-in captains blank out the past as they look to the future

• Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah return for New Zealand series; Shakib among those rested

• Bangladesh's unlikely heroes step up as race for World Cup spots heat up

• Southee fractures bone in right thumb during Lord's ODI

Boult returned to ODIs this year only last week when he played against England, and was later picked in their World Cup squad. Ravindra has impressed as an allrounder in 2023, taking 11 wickets while scoring 179 runs at 29.83 average. Sodhi has taken seven wickets in nine games this year while Young is their second-highest scorer in ODIs in 2023.Ferguson’s choice as captain is an interesting one as he has only led in one game in his competitive cricket career – a warm-up T20 between New Zealand and Gloucestershire last month.Dean Foxcroft is the only uncapped cricketer in the squad while Dane Cleaver’s only ODI appearance was in July last year. The rest of the squad has been involved in ODIs this year.Tamim Iqbal is back in the ODI side after reversing his decision to retire in July•AFP via Getty Images

Hosts bring back the stalwarts

Bangladesh have rested several of their World Cup squad members including captain Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and the pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mamhud and Shoriful Islam have also been given a break. But, they have dropped Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain and Mohammad Naim from the Asia Cup squad.Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah have returned to the ODI side. Tamim reversed his retirement decision in July, but quit the ODI captaincy last month. He missed the Asia Cup due to his injuries but has since recovered well for the New Zealand series.Bangladesh have also called up wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan, and the uncapped trio of Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Khaled Ahmed. The biggest surprise is Soumya Sarkar’s inclusion, as the left-handed batter had hardly done much in the two-and-a-half years out of the ODI setup.

Bilateral relevance

Often, these bilateral ODI series have little meaning. The hype ahead of the World Cup, however, has turned it into a necessary encounter between two teams who could take a second look at their backups. New Zealand are still waiting on Tim Southee’s availability for the World Cup. The fast bowler will undergo surgery on Thursday for the thumb injury he sustained against England last week but New Zealand remain hopeful that he will recover in time for the marquee event.Bangladesh, too, have plenty to ponder as they are without the injured Najmul Hossain Shanto and Ebadot Hossain. Shanto could return in time for the World Cup but Ebadot is out for a long period. They need to find a backup at No. 3, while one of the fast bowlers must grab Ebadot’s place and replicate his performance.New Zealand have a notoriously poor record in Bangladesh•BCB

New Zealand’s poor record in Bangladesh

Bangladesh are on a long unbeaten run against New Zealand at home. They won 4-0 in 2010 and 3-0 in 2013, leaving the visitors with just one win in eight outings in Bangladesh. That came in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinals against South Africa. Bangladesh also beat New Zealand 3-2 in a bilateral T20I series in 2021, although that touring team from New Zealand also bore a similar experimental look.

Pace and bounce in Mirpur?

Bangladesh have preferred the more batting-friendly pitches of Chattogram and Sylhet for home ODIs in the last two years. Shere Bangla National Stadium’s reputation as the spin bastion changed slightly during the Afghanistan Test in June this year when the fast bowlers took 14 wickets. The ground average for the side batting first in a day-night game is a surprising 254 in the last seven ODIs here. On five of these occasions, the team batting first has won the game too.A bit of pace and bounce won’t be surprising in Dhaka this time as well. The weather, though, could be a concern as rain is in the forecast for all three ODIs.

Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga were the milestone men, as Sri Lanka scripted a remarkable comeback

ESPNcricinfo stats team20-Oct-20210 – Number of times a team has managed to score 150-plus in men’s T20Is after losing three wickets for less than ten runs, before Sri Lanka scored 171 for 7 against Ireland. The previous highest was Panama’s 148 for 6 against Mexico. Panama had lost their first three wickets by 8, the same score as Sri Lanka today.. The previous highest by a full-member nation from 8 for 3 was Australia’s 147 for 6 against England in the 2010 World T20 final.8 – Score at which Sri Lanka lost their third wicket, their lowest score for the first three wickets in a T20I innings. Their previous lowest was 11 runs against Australia in 2007 and against New Zealand in 2009. Only once had Ireland taken the first three wickets in a T20I innings at a lower total – 6 runs against Scotland in 2010.123 – Partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, the highest for the fourth wicket (or lower) in men’s T20 World Cup matches. The previous highest was 119* by Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik against Sri Lanka in 2007.Nissanka and Hasaranga’s partnership was also only the third century stand for the fourth wicket (or lower) in men’s T20Is that began with fewer than ten runs on the board.3 – Number of higher partnerships for Sri Lanka in T20Is than the 123 between Nissanka and Hasaranga.1 – Number of higher individual scores by Sri Lanka batters in their first T20 World Cup innings than Hasaranga’s 71 in this match. Sanath Jayasuriya had hit 88 off 44 balls against Kenya in their first-ever World T20 fixture, which remains their highest.

يستعد ليفربول لاستعادة أحد لاعبيه السابقين والذي ارتدى قميص النادي فيما مضى، بعد أن حسم مدربه الحالي موقفه من الاعتماد عليه خلال الفترة القادمة.

وأكد آوناي آيمري مدرب أستون فيلا أن النادي قرر عدم التعاقد مع هارفي إليوت بشكل نهائي.

ولعب إليوت خمس مباريات فقط، ولم يشارك كبديل في آخر سبع مباريات في الدوري الإنجليزي، وكانت صفقة إعارته من ليفربول قد تضمنت بند يلزم أستون فيلا بشرائه مقابل 35 مليون جنيه إسترليني بشرط مشاركته في 10 مباريات مع الفريق.

أقرأ أيضاً.. إيفرا: محمد صلاح يذكرني بـ رونالدو.. وكتب نهاية قصته مع ليفربول

وقال إيمري في تصريحات نشرها صحفي “سكاي سبورت” فابريزيو رومانو: “نتحدث معه بشأن وضعه، هو ليس معنا حالياً”.

وأضاف: “نأمل أن نتوصل لأفضل النتائج له ولنا، أقدره وأكن له الاحترام كلاعب وإنسان، إنه يتدرب بشكل جيد ولكن لدينا ظرف خاص به”.

وواصل: “نأمل أن يجد حلاً يمكنه من اللعب بانتظام ومواصلة مسيرته الكروية معنا أو الانتقال لنادي آخر”.

واختتم عن إليوت: “تحدثت معه مرتين أو ثلاث مرات بشأن وضعه الحالي، أولاً بخصوص قراري وثانياً بخصوص الوضع، هو معنا معاراً لكن ليس من المؤكد أنه سينضم لنا بعقد دائم”.

علق سامي هلهل الحكم المساعد المعتزل حديثًا، على تفاصيل إدارة أوسكار رويز للجنة الحكام في الفترة الماضية، موضحًا كواليس استبعاده من إدارة أحد مباريات الأهلي من قبل.

وقال سامي هلهل في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة أون سبورت: “مستر أوسكار لا يمكن القول إنه بلا خبرة تحكيمية، وهو من المصنّفين في الفيفا، لكن لديه مشكلة إدارية، والمشكلة تكمن في الأشخاص المحيطين به، وكنت أتمنى أن يكونوا أمناء في العرض عليه”.

وواصل: “مباريات الأهلي والزمالك من أكبر المباريات في الوطن العربي، وقد لعبت الأهلي والزمالك أربع مرات، وطبعًا تختلف أول مباراة عن الرابعة، أول مباراة يكون الضغط كبيرًا عليّ، وأي قرار أتخذه يكون محسوبًا”.

طالع.. خاص | كيف رد رئيس لجنة الحكام على اتهامات “البنا وهلهل”؟

وحول التدخلات في التعيينات، أوضح: “مع الأجنبي يكون الأمر صعبًا، لكن ممكن في لجان سابقة، قد لا أستطيع ذكر أسماء، لكن يعتمد الأمر على قوة أو ضعف الشخص وقدرته على مواجهة الضغوط، وإذا كان ضعيفًا فمن الممكن أن يسمح بالتدخلات، وحدث معي هذا من قبل”.

وأكمل: “في مباراة كنت معينًا فيها، وكلّمني أحد أعضاء لجنة الحكام وقال لي أن أعود، وكان طرفها الأهلي، وأعتقد كانت مباراته أمام الداخلية في عام 2016، وسألته لماذا أعود، فرد، (هل صحيح أن مديرك هو المهندس عدلي القيعي؟)، قلت له (أنا أعمل في شركة بترول اسمها بتروسبورت، ومهندس عدلي مديري في العمل، ما المشكلة؟)”.

وأردف: “قال لي بالطبع مشكلة، ولا تذهب للمباراة، وسنقول في الإعلام إنك اعتذرت، أنا والكابتن عدلي لم نأخذ صورة معًا أبدًا، وحكمت للنادي الأهلي بعد أن تغيّر رئيس لجنة الحكام”.

 

Tottenham Hotspur were left reeling after being thumped by north London neighbours Arsenal last weekend. It was a sobering afternoon for Thomas Frank, who did take solace days later in his side’s spirited 5-3 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.

Much of the frustration around Spurs’ start to the season has centred around attacking struggles. To be sure, Ange Postecoglou’s unshackled offensive system is no longer discernible down N17, though Frank has undeniably instilled a more stable base.

Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders

Club

League Position

xG

(1) Chelsea

2nd

22.1

(2) Man City

3rd

21.8

(3) Arsenal

1st

20.7

(4) Crystal Palace

5th

20.2

(5) Man Utd

10th

19.9

(17) Tottenham

9th

11.1

Data via FBref

However, while there is work to be made on the creative front – and remember, injured playmakers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have not kicked a ball this season – nine goals shipped in the last week underlines the wider problems.

It’s for this reason that the new hierarchy is considering a winter move for a centre-back.

Spurs' search for a defender

In Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Tottenham have one of the most robust defensive partnerships in the Premier League. However, the balance isn’t there at the back.

The Lilywhites have been sold short in key areas. You could make a top starting 11 in a fully-fit Spurs stadium, but the wider squad leave plenty to be desired, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies applicable in regard to central defence.

That’s why Spanish sources have confirmed that Tottenham are planning a winter move for Juventus centre-half Gleison Bremer, who could be available for a cut-price €40m (£35m)

The report suggests that Spurs ‘would be willing to negotiate’ and offer an ‘attractive financial package’ in order to tempt the Old Lady into a sale.

What Bremer would bring to Spurs

Two months ago, Bremer suffered a meniscus injury to his left knee. This week, he returned to full team training. Considered one of the best defenders in Europe for his defensive security and “world-class” performances, as said by CBS commentator Matteo Bonetti, against elite forwards.

In truth, he hasn’t played much football over the past year, but Bremer is returning to full fitness now and started the Serie A season off strongly, Sofascore recording that he won 63% of his ground duels across the first four fixtures of the term, averaging 5.5 clearances and 4.5 recoveries per game. He set up two goals, underscoring the ball-playing quality that Frank needs to help establish build-up patterns down N17.

Van de Ven, of course, would provide Bremer with stiff competition in front of Guglielmo Vicario’s goal, but there’s a case to be made that the Brazilian is a stronger defender than his Dutch counterpart, who has only won 52% of his duels in the Premier League this season, ranking among the bottom 36% of positional peers for tackles won per 90 (0.36).

The 24-year-old is an athletic phenomenon, and no mistake.

Top Recorded Speeds in the Prem (since 20/21)

Player

Club

Speed (km/h)

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.38

Kyle Walker

Man City

37.31

Jackson Tchatchoua

Wolves

37.30

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.23

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.12

Data via Premier League

But he’s hardly flawless. Van de Ven has made two direct mistakes in the Premier League this year (Bremer has yet to blunder), and he needs to continue to develop his positioning and tactical alliance with those around him.

Maybe Van de Ven feels overburdened by the weight of responsibility at times. He has a lot of ground to cover, after all, especially with Romero in and out of the team due to injuries.

Hailed as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson for his physicality and power, Bremer might just be the solution for a Tottenham side desperate to make headway after an up-and-down start.

This ferocious defender would offer a different flavour, and maybe that’s what Frank’s rearguard need to stabilise and create a more fluent overarching system.

Juventus legend Sergi Brio described Bremer as the “best defender in Serie A” two years ago, and though his match action has been limited thereafter, there’s no question that this is a star who could make a marked difference at Frank’s Tottenham, providing a counterpoint at the back while deepening the squad as they look to kick on.

Related Frank can unearth his own Dembele by unleashing "generational" Spurs gem

Tottenham can unearth their next Mousa Dembele against Fulham this weekend by unleashing this star.

Posts ByDan Emery Nov 29, 2025

Rangers are now facing the prospect of losing one of their young talents to the Premier League for nothing in a frustrating blow for Danny Rohl.

Rohl pinpoints "old habits" affecting Rangers

It was like a throwback to the start of the season against Falkirk. Rangers were toothless as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the first time that Rohl has stuttered in the Scottish Premiership. The German, frustrated by the draw, claimed that the Gers fell into “old habits” and lacked “conviction”.

The Rangers manager now has the task of getting back to winning ways as early as Wednesday when his side square off against Dundee United. Another game without three points would only raise concerns that Rangers are slipping back into poor form just when fixtures are coming thick and fast.

With the January transfer window now just a month away from opening too, any sign of poor form would also raise serious questions for Rohl about the quality of his squad.

Following the exit of sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss is likely to have a larger say on who comes in and who heads for the exit door in January.

What he won’t have a say in, however, is the future of Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old midfielder has reportedly rejected Rangers’ latest contract offer and looks destined to leave the club.

Premier League clubs chasing bargain Rice deal

According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Premier League clubs are now racing to sign Rice on a free deal when his current contract expires in the summer.

The midfielder is the youngest-ever player to play for the club in the Scottish Premiership, but looks almost certain to leave in 2026 after rejecting new terms.

Whilst Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion tracked the 19-year-old in the past, it is Sunderland and Aston Villa who are after his signature these days – handing Rice a big decision to make.

A "spell on the sidelines" is needed for the "best player" at Rangers

This Glasgow Rangers star who was called the team’s best player should be dropped from the starting line-up.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 2, 2025

For Rangers, meanwhile, it’s another blow and another likely departure from an academy star. There was a time when Rice looked to be the future of their midfield. Now, he’s set to depart before he even reaches the peak of his powers and with zero financial gain for the club.

Former interim boss Barry Ferguson was full of praise for Rice last season, telling reporters that he believes that the midfielder is a “fantastic talent”. Like everyone else watching on in Scotland, however, Ferguson may be forced to see the youngster thrive away from Rangers and in the Premier League.

Danny Rohl sends 13-word warning to Rangers players ahead of transfer window

Juan Soto was officially introduced as a New York Met on Thursday, donning the team colors he’ll call his own for the next 15 years and $765 million of his career.

At the introductory press conference, Soto made clear that there were two driving factors in his decision to join the Mets: the way the team treated him and his family, and his belief in the franchise’s commitment to winning championships.

Speaking with a pool of reporters after the official presser was over, Mets owner Steve Cohen revealed his goal for the Soto era, and how it came up in conversation with the team’s new star during the free agency process.

Asked directly how many titles he thought the team would win with Soto, Cohen said, “Let’s put it this way. He asked me, how many championships would you like to win over the next 10 years, I said two to four.”

While some might say the only correct answer to such a question is “every single one of them,” it seems Cohen and Soto had a more direct, realistic outline for what would look like a successful partnership between them.

It’s an ambitious goal, but ambitious goals are what you are going for after giving out the biggest contract in the history of sports.

No team in baseball has won four titles in 10 years since the last Yankess dynasty, who won four in five years from 1996 to 2000.

The Mets already won the bidding war for Soto against their crosstown rival—now they’re coming for the Yankees’ dynasty status.

After a generally miserable September, October has certainly begun with a bang for Chelsea.

Following three Premier League matches without a win, including successive defeats, the Blues bounced back in some style on Saturday, defeating champions Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Moisés Caicedo broke the deadlock early with an absolute rocket, only for Liverpool to equalise just after the hour mark, at which point most onlookers, including Gary Neville on commentary for Sky Sports, expected the visitors to go on and claim victory.

Well, that certainly wasn’t the case because, after Enzo Fernández had seen a header thwack the post, Marc Cucurella’s low cross was turned home by Estêvão Willian at the back post, sparking wild celebrations in the Matthew Harding Stand and beyond.

While match-winner Estêvão will get many of the headlines, one of Chelsea’s most experienced players put in an under-the-radar exceptional display.

Moisés Caicedo's importance to Chelsea

As noted on Liverpool’s official website, yes really, the Reds agreed a £110m deal with Brighton to sign Caicedo back in August 2023, only for the Ecuadorian to join Chelsea instead, underlining what the Merseysiders missed out on by scoring this stunning strike to open the scoring.

Even parking the goal to one side, Caicedo put in an outstanding display, controlling midfield alongside Fernández, the pair underlining why Chelsea were willing to spend over £220m to recruit the duo.

Speaking on Sky Sports after full-time, Jamie Redknapp labelled Caicedo “one of the best in the world”, adding that he is “incredible” out of possession, concluding that he “hasn’t got a weakness” and could be the man who brings the glory days back to Stamford Bridge.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club three years ago, fair to say plenty of money has been spent, but few players have proved their worth quite like the Ecuadorian.

However, one of Chelsea’s homegrown Cobham academy graduates also came to the fore, suggesting that he may be Enzo Maresca’s most undroppable player.

Chelsea defender stars against Liverpool

Despite famously having the biggest squad in football, Enzo Maresca was down to the bare bones in terms of centre-backs by the end of Saturday’s famous win.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Firstly, Trevoh Chalobah’s red card against Brighton meant he was suspended, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill all missed out due to injury.

Then, during the game, both members of the starting defensive pairing, namely Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong, were forced off due to injuries so, by the time of the winning goal, Jorrel Hato was alongside Reece James at the heart of defence.

The club captain began the evening in his usual position at right-back, Maresca experimenting with Malo Gusto in midfield, but wherever the England international was deployed, he put in an outstanding display, as the table below documents.

Tackles

5

1st

Defensive actions

10

1st

Blocks

1

1st

Interceptions

2

2nd

Key passes

2

4th

Accurate passes

50

2nd

Duels contested

10

3rd

Duels won

8

1st

Aerial duels won

2

1st

Touches

83

1st

SofaScore rating

7.2

5th

As the table documents, James was absolutely key to Chelsea’s victory.

He ranked first for tackles, defensive actions, blocks, duels won, aerial duels won and touches, also completing the second-most passes of any player on the pitch, behind only Virgil van Dijk, while Cucurella was the only man bedecked in blue to register more key passes.

This underlines not only his defensive acumen, but also his quality on the ball.

Following Chelsea’s Conference League victory over København at Parken in March, speaking on TNT Sport, Joe Cole asserted that James is as good as any right-back in the world, while believing he may be best utilised in midfield, something Maresca has done plenty of times since his arrival just over a year ago.

Either way, at full-back or in the middle, James emphasised that he needs to be on the pitch as much as possible, while acknowledging that his minutes have to be carefully managed, given his treacherous injury history.

So, while every transfer window is dominated by Chelsea spending hundreds of millions on new signings, the captain, who has been with the club since the age of six, continues to be a key figure.

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