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In today’s Tottenham Hotspur roundup, we take a look at what new has been doing the rounds for the Lilywhites. Alan Shearer says ‘Spurs have a softness about them’, Harry Kane makes the top 10 at the FIFA Football Best Awards, and Paul Merson questions Mauricio Pochettino after five years at the club.

Spurs ‘soft’ says Shearer

Report: All-time top Premier League scorer Alan Shearer has hit out at ‘soft’ Spurs after once again dropping points from a winning position over the weekend. Shearer said: “Tottenham have led by a goal at half-time in their past three away matches – against Arsenal, Olympiakos and now the Foxes – but failed to win any of them, which tells you they have a softness about them that they do not seem able to put right.

“They had a brilliant season last time out, reaching the Champions League final and making the top four of the Premier League for a fourth successive year under Pochettino – but they still seem a long way from reaching the next level and mounting a serious title challenge.”

Verdict: Spurs currently sit seventh in the table, having won just twice in the seven games they have played this season. Truthfully, the only convincing game so far was the 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace, as even on the opening day Spurs had to fight back late on against newly-promoted Aston Villa.

In reality, Spurs have only conceded one goal more this season in their opening seven games with 10, than they did in the first seven of last year, where they let in nine. Although, as Shearer states, Spurs have yet to make any sort of progress from reaching the Champions League final and are still way off competing for a title, as Liverpool and Manchester City continue to get better.

‘Something has to change at Tottenham’, says Merson

Report: In his Sky Sports column, ex-Arsenal man Paul Merson believes change has to come if Spurs are to progress under Pochettino. He said: “I watched Spurs beat Crystal Palace the other week. They were like the Harlem Globetrotters. They made Palace look pathetic.

“They were the last team to win at Manchester United, Arsenal and Man City – they know how to win in big games. But then Spurs go to Leicester and get beat, having been to Olympiakos where they threw away two goals. I’m not saying get rid of the manager, but everything’s getting a bit monotonous now.

“Do I think Pochettino will be there next season? No. The only thing with that is that he will start to lose his credibility if they don’t stay where they are. They’re the third-best team in the league, in my opinion, still.”

Verdict: Pochettino has now been at Spurs for five years, and although he will forever be credited for helping raise Harry Kane and for signing the likes of Dele Alli, considering him a success over these years would be slightly unjustified. As Merson stated, Spurs have got a magnificent team and boast of some of Europe’s best around in their respective positions, such as Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Toby Alderweireld. Yet, everything just seems to have plateaued within the last year, and the team has not been able to kick on form the positives of last term.

Is this because of Pochettino? It would be harsh to say so considering Spurs were just about making the Europa League before he arrived, now, they’ve been to a Champions League final.

However, reaching the final is not a success and neither is finishing second as they did in 2016-17. And although this is indeed progress, we are yet to see this progression become victorious, and perhaps now questions need to be asked of the Argentine.

Kane finishes 10th at Best Awards

Report: Harry Kane finished 10th in the FIFA Football Best Awards on Monday in the men’s category. The Spurs man was joined by Premier League stars Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Sadio Mane, who all cracked the top five.

Verdict: In theory, Kane was the only recognised out-and-out no.9 in the top 10, with the likes of Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski, and Antoine Griezmann all missing out, whilst it’s fair to say the other top scorers on the list are were all wingers. The Englishman was also the third youngest inside the top ten, with Frenkie De Jong, Kylian Mbappe and Matthijs De Ligt all a few years younger than the 26-year-old.

Kane made his way into the top 10 after scoring 17 goals in 27 Premier League games last season, whilst also playing a hand in England’s route to finishing third in the inaugural Nations League tournament, playing five games and scoring once. The striker also netted five times in nine Champions League fixtures as Spurs made it to the final last season.

For a while now, it has been a debate as to who is better amongst the top strikers around. But perhaps considering Kane surpassed them in the FIFA men’s award, maybe now he can call himself the best striker in the game.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Ahead of Everton’s League Cup clash against Lincoln, Marco Silva has revealed that his side could vary their system throughout the season due to the options available in the squad.

On the chalkboard

New Everton signing Moise Kean is still yet to start for his new club but has shown glimpses of his quality in his three substitute appearances so far.

Instead, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been given the responsibility of leading Everton’s attack, but the 22-year-old is goalless, which could lead Silva to offer him assistance by playing Kean alongside him at times this season.

That was how the Toffees ended Friday’s match at Villa Park as they searched for an equaliser, and it is a playing method Silva could use throughout the campaign:

“In some moments we can play with two strikers, he [Kean] did it with Juventus at times.

“It was clear to him what I expected and he had a good impact on the pitch [against Villa].

“Every time he goes on the pitch, he is ready to help the team. That is the best way to keep learning and improving as a football player.

“He has the skills to improve and now it is up to us to keep working with him to get the maximum from him.”

As Silva acknowledges, Kean started in a two up-front formation with Juventus on four occasions in Serie A last season, and scored four goals, despite playing with three different partners during that time.

Both Kean and Calvert-Lewin are in need of a goal to boost their confidence and kick-start their seasons, and will likely be eyeing the next few games as the ideal opportunity to do just that.

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Perfect Partnership?

Everton have been uninspiring in attack this season and have just one goal to show from their opening three games.

A late resurgence in an otherwise lacklustre performance against Aston Villa showed signs that a more ambitious approach in attack could produce more chances on goal – with the Toffees so far averaging just two shots on target per league game.

Calvert-Lewin and Kean have the attributes to form an effective partnership this season, and should suit each other well if given time on the pitch to form an understanding.

Whereas Kean is a player who thrives when running in behind the defence and getting on the end of passes, Calvert-Lewin has proved himself an adept target man – as his 3.2 average aerial duels won per game last season indicated – and as such his hold-up play should work to Kean’s benefit.

If given an opportunity to play together over the next few weeks, they could grow together and develop an understanding of each other’s games, which should work to Everton’s benefit as they search for more potency in the final third.

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كشف السويسري جياني انفانتينو، رئيس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، سبب زيارته للمملكة المغربية.

وأكد إنفانتينو أن هذه الزيارة تدخل في نطاق العمل مع فوزي لقجع، رئيس الجامعة الملكية المغربية لكرة القدم، لمناقشة المشاريع المستقبلية المتعلقة بكرة القدم المغربية والإفريقية.

وقال إنفانتينو، في تصريحات عقب وصوله إلى الرباط نقلتها صحيفة “هسبريس” المغربية، إن المغرب يلعب دورا مهما ويعد قاطرة في تطوير كرة القدم المحلية.

طالع أيضا.. اتحاد الكرة يوضح سبب تهنئة الأهلي رغم الخسارة أمام بايرن ميونخ.. ما علاقة رئيس فيفا؟

واضاف: “جئت إلى هنا مرات عديدة، إلى جانب الشغف الكبير الذي يكنه هذا البلد لكرة القدم، يلاحظ أيضا الجدية الكبيرة في عمل الجامعة الملكية المغربية لكرة القدم لتطوير اللعبة”.

وتابع: “لهذا السبب نحن هنا، من أجل تباحث سبل تطعيم هذا العمل أكثر، المغرب يزخر ببنيات تحتية مهمة؛ منها مركز محمد السادس لكرة القدم، والتي يمكن أن تستفيد منها إفريقيا والعالم”.

وأتم: “النقاش سيدور بالأساس حول مشاريع وبرامح لتطوير الممارسة لدى الشباب ولدى كرة القدم النسوية، وتطوير اللعبة بشكل عام، هذه فرصة جيدة لمناقشة النقاط المذكورة، والعودة بمجموعة من الأفكار بخصوص برنامج تطوير مستقبل كرة القدم المحلية والإفريقية”.

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Yesterday’s Ligue 1 transfer roundup contained AS Monaco’s interest in Henry Onyekuru, news on the future of Moussa Dembele and Victor Osimhen’s now completed move to Lille. Today’s edition entails Premier League eyes on Montpellier’s Ruben Aguilar and Les Monegasques’ pursuits of Mattia Perin and Andre Silva.

Aguilar targeted by three Premier League clubs

Report: According to France Football, a trio of English clubs are interested in signing Aguilar this summer. Southampton, Brighton and Crystal Palace are all named in the report as being after the 26-year-old.

Verdict: Aguilar stood out for his team last season, recording an average WhoScored rating of 7.13, which was only bettered by Andy Delort for La Paillade. The Algeria striker was also the only player to register a higher number of assists than the Frenchman, despite the latter playing at right-back, and he also made the most tackles per game. In other words, he was a vital component of the side and so the news that clubs are casting their eyes on him should not come as too much of a surprise. Crystal Palace could do with a new right-back following the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whilst Southampton could be in a similar situation if Cedric Soares leaves. Brighton have just Martin Montoya and could, therefore, also make a concrete move. Also, Aguilar’s contract runs out next year, which could see him become available at a cheaper price.

How likely is the deal? 6.5/10

Monaco want Perin

Report: TuttoJuve is reporting that Monaco are interested in Mattia Perin. Aston Villa are also mentioned as being after the Juventus goalkeeper, with the French club hoping to sign Italy international if he does not move to the Premier League.

Verdict: Whilst Villa may have been “on pole” to sign the 26-year-old when the report was written on Wednesday evening, they have since confirmed the signing of Tom Heaton from Burnley. As such, the path appears clear for Monaco to make their move. However, it could be asked whether the Ligue 1 outfit need him either. They have already signed Benjamin Lecomte from Montpellier during this transfer window and, alongside him, they have three other shot-stoppers in their squad. Danijel Subasic and Diego Benaglio are well into their thirties, though, which may indicate Leonardo Jardim’s interest in Perin. At Juventus, it seems unlikely that he will get a good run in the starting XI anytime soon. Wojciech Szczesny is currently number one, whilst Gianluigi Buffon has also returned to Turin during this window. If Perin has any sense, he will look to move, but Monaco may not be the best destination.

How likely is the deal? 6/10

Jardim still wants Silva

Report: As per today’s print edition of Tuttosport (via Calcio Mercato), Leonardo Jardim is still interested in taking Andre Silva to the Stade Louis II this season despite a move recently breaking down.

Verdict: Silva has already appeared to be on the verge of joining Monaco from AC Milan once this summer, but the move failed to materialise after the Portugal international could not agree financial terms to his liking with the Ligue 1 outfit. It was also reported that he had failed a medical ahead of a switch to his new club. He has recently had issues with his patella, from which he is still recovering. This may indicate that it is not the best time to sign the former Porto man, therefore, but that doesn’t seem to have put Jardim off. When he is fit, the 23-year-old is not too shabby. He has a career record of 70 goals in 170 club games, with his best spell coming in Portugal, whilst he has done very well internationally, netting 15 in 33 matches. If he can hit the ground running following his eventual return from injury, he would turn out to be worthwhile signing, but it is always hard to start out at a new club having just come back from the sidelines.

How likely is the deal? 5.5/10

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to reports from The Hull Daily Mail, Hull City are interested in signing Mallik Wilks as it is understood that Leeds United are willing to let the winger go on a permanent basis if the offer is right.

Barnsley have also reportedly shown an interest in signing the 20-year-old, but the Whites’ willingness to let him go without much of a fight is baffling.

Wilks’ season

The winger enjoyed a fantastic season out on loan at Doncaster Rovers last term. He scored 14 goals and assisted a further eight as the Yorkshire club made the League One playoff semi-final.

Throughout the season Leeds fans were in awe of what the youngster was doing at The Keepmoat Stadium, and excitement was growing about what he would do for the Whites once he returned.

Letting him go

For some reason, the Elland Road outfit don’t want to keep hold of a player who put up such promising numbers in England’s third division last season, and it just doesn’t add up.

One problem that has plagued Marcelo Bielsa’s side is a lack of goal contributions from the left-wing. Last season’s first choice Jack Harrison contributed to just seven goals throughout the entire campaign, yet Leeds have opted to bring him back and are seemingly set to let Wilks go.

It makes no sense, why would a team that has enjoyed bringing through young talents such as Jamie Shackleton and Jack Clarke turn their back on a 20-year-old prospect coming off the back of a red hot season in League One?

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It’s hard to believe that a youngster putting up those types of numbers wouldn’t be of interest to the Championship club. Indeed, he isn’t experienced at this level yet, but to outright sell him rather than loaning him out is completely baffling.

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According to a report from Belgian journalist Tomas Taecke, Aston Villa’s move for Club Brugge midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is completely gone.

The Zimbabwe international, who has been capped 12 times, was the subject of interest from the club last month but any move now looks unlikely to happen.

According to another report in Belgium, Nakamba had skipped training in a bid to force through a move to the Villans.

And with recent developments, it appears Villa fans are delighted that he won’t actually be joining. Many took a swipe at the 25-year-old’s attitude as one claimed he sounded like a troublemaker. Another supporter said that his attitude was ringing alarm bells.

There seemed to be a sense of relief among the Villa Park faithful as a further fan simply uttered that it was good news.

Nakamba starred for Club Brugge in the Champions League last term alongside recent Villa acquisition Wesley. The defensive midfielder won 4.4 tackles per game whilst also completing three interceptions per outing during his five matches.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

أكد أحمد الشناوي، الخبير التحكيمي بقنوات “أون تايم سورت” على أن سموحة كان يستحق هدفًا صحيحًا لم يحتسب خلال مواجهة بيراميدز اليوم.

وانتهت المباراة التي جمعت بين سموحة وبيراميدز بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق، في اللقاء الذي جمعهما ضمن منافسات الأسبوع التاسع من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وشدد أحمد الشناوي على أن الكرة العرضية التي تصدى لها شريف إكرامي في الدقيقة 52 من عمر اللقاء، تخطت خط المرمى، ولكن الحكم أشار باستئناف اللعب دون الرجوع إلى تقنية الفار للتأكد من صحتها.

طالع أيضا..  فرج عامر يهاجم لاعبي بيراميدز ويؤكد: إكرامي دخل مرماه بالكرة والحكم لم يحتسب هدفًا!

يذكر أن، بيراميدز وصل إلى النقطة 13 من خلال لعب 8 مباريات، ويستعد لمواجهة الأهلي في الأسبوع العاشر من المسابقة المحلية الكبرى. تصدي شريف إكرامي لعرضية لاعب سموحة المثيرة للجدل

علق خالد الغندور قائد الزمالك السابق، على قرار مجلس الزمالك الحالي، بإيقاف المفاوضات مع سانت إيتيان الفرنسي بشأن التعاقد مع مصطفى محمد.

وكانت إدارة الزمالك أصدرت قرارًا منذ قليل أعلنت خلاله إلغاء التفاوض بشكل نهائي بشأن انتقال اللاعب مصطفى محمد إلى نادي سانت إيتيان الفرنسي طالع التفاصيل من هنا.

وقال الغندور خلال برنامج “زملكاوي” عبر قناة “الزمالك”: “النادي يرفض بيع مصطفى محمد لسانت إيتيان حتى لو وصل السعر لـ 10 أو 20 مليون دولار”.

وأضاف: “ما حدث من رئيس نادي سانت إيتيان ابتزاز بلغة القانون”.

وأكمل: “عامل الشرف والأمانة هذا لا يليق برئيس نادي أن يربط الإفصاح عن الأسماء إلا في حالة عدم انتهاء الصفقة، ولو انتهت الصفقة لصالحهم لن يعلن عن الأسماء، هذا غير منطقي، ولا يخرج من رئيس نادي كبير في فرنسا”.

وأردف: “هل الزمالك يتعرض لعلميات نصب أو تلاعب أو كباري؟”.

وأتم: “اتمنى من مصطفى محمد يغلق ملف الأحتراف ويركز مع الفريق في الوقت الحالي، وسيأتي لك الأحتراف في الفترة المقبلة”.

يذكر أن رئيس سانت إيتيان قد خرج في تصريحات تلفزيونية أن هناك أشخاصًا في الزمالك طلبوا عمولة لتسهيل انتقال مصطفى محمد للنادي الفرنسي. طالع باقي التصريحات من هنا.

The pain of today’s play-off defeat will linger for a long time. We know that, and we’re not going to pretend otherwise. Two Wembley defeats and a 5th placed finish this season have been incredibly tough to stomach for the Black Cats, but here we are. The Mackems now need to look forward, and they need to keep Ross on-board as they look forward.

Jack Ross may come in for a lot of stick over the next couple of days as the Sunderland supporters come to terms with the fact that they’ll be travelling to face Lincoln, Tranmere, MK Dons and Bury away next season, but the Scottish gaffer is the man for the job. Just because his side has been unable to convert their chances at Wembley this season doesn’t mean he’s not fit for the job.

When Stewart Donald sits down with the board and looks ahead to the 2019/20 season he simply cannot afford to try and go it in the new season without Ross in charge. The entire club has been in transition this season and considering how close they’ve come to making a swift return to the Championship, now they’ve got one more year of experience and another two transfer windows to prepare, promotion is much more likely.

It won’t be easy to go into next season and until next May there will be a lot of heartache and regret about today from the Black Cats. Those that stayed in Sunderland and watched the game on TV and those who made the 540-mile roundtrip from the Northeast to the capital will struggle next season in the third tier again, but no rash moves can be made just yet.

Sunderland fans, do you agree? Let us know by commenting below!

قال حازم الحديدي وكيل أعمال محمد الشناوي، حارس مرمى النادي الأهلي، إن حالة اللاعب جيدة، وجاهز لمباراة الزمالك في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

الأهلي يلتقي مع غريمه التقليدي الزمالك في المباراة المحدد لها الجمعة المقبل في نهائي البطولة القارية والذي يقام على استاد القاهرة.

وقال الحديدي في تصريحات إذاعية عبر أثير “راديو مصر”: “الشناوي بصحة جيدة ويشارك في التدريبات وجميع المسحات السابقة جاءت سلبية”.

وتابع: “اللاعبين جاهزون للمباراة وتم إجراء مسحة كاف اليوم، اللاعبون الكبار يبتعدون عن السوشيال ميديا لأنهم يتعرضون لضغط كبير”.

وأتم: “من الممكن أن تظهر نتيجة مسحة كاف اليوم في السابعة مساء وأتمنى السلامة لجميع اللاعبين”.