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Tottenham could be tempted to bid for an "underrated" alternative to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in January, and they've approached his agents.
Ange Postecoglou has been desperately unlucky with his shortage of centre-backs over the last month and a half, so much so that he's used both Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as a makeshift pairing at times.
Super agent "taking care" of Spurs transfer for player after £60m discount
Tottenham could grab a bargain this winter.
By
Emilio Galantini
Dec 19, 2023
The return of Cristian Romero from his recent suspension has helped matters, but the Argentine is constantly walking a tightrope due to his aggressive style. Summer signing Micky van de Ven also isn't expected to return until late January, meaning Spurs are set to be short of options for the foreseeable.
While Davies has been praised for adapting in his new role as a left-sided centre-back, Postecoglou has still publicly suggested that his side quite simply need to bring in another body.
"Centre-back is still a position where, especially in our structure, it is one of the few positions where you need guys with outstanding attributes in there," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's defence (via football.london).
"We’ve been very fortunate that he [Davies] has been able to fill in for us there. He’s really good at taking in information, he really understands the game, not just his own role but how we want to play and that’s helped him.
"Having Romero next to him helps in that sense and Vic because he’s taken a bit of a leadership role back there as well. Ultimately, we still need to sign another centre-back because at the moment we are a little bit on tenterhooks because if something happens again we are short and we are already short."
Spurs are thought to be prioritising the position ahead of next month, with the club targeting a few interesting defensive names. The north Londoners, lead by sporting director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy, have already held talks over signing Nice star Todibo as one option.
Other players are regularly mentioned as well, though, with there being some suggestions they could target Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
The versatile ace doesn't appear to feature in Mauricio Pochettino's plans, and now TEAMtalk have an update on his future.
According to their information, Tottenham could be tempted to bid for Chalobah and the club have even already held discussions with the 24-year-old's representatives.
The report claims Chalobah is looking set to make a "surprise move" away from Stamford Bridge mid-season, despite the fact he's a boyhood Chelsea player and would preferably remain there. The Lilywhites have sounded out Chalobah's agents in an attempt to gauage the parimeters of a deal, coming as they continue to explore options and cover for van de Ven and Romero.
While the Englishman is no longer in favour, he has dazzled for Chelsea in past seasons, with journalist Matt Law calling him "underrated" and ticking many boxes for the national team.
The Blues have overcome plenty and shown the resilience instilled by their departing coach to secure a fifth-successive title
A lot has been made of Emma Hayes’ final season in charge of Chelsea, which came to its climax on Saturday in the form of a fifth successive Women's Super League triumph. When a quadruple chase was reduced to that singular title race in a matter of four brutal weeks this spring, criticism was quick to arrive, and it will linger even despite this weekend's success. But to slam the Blues for a lack of achievement this term is to ignore the context of their season.
On the one hand, we are talking about a Chelsea team that had won nine of the 12 domestic honours available in the four seasons prior to this one, reaching the final in two of the three cups they failed to claim. As a result, they are held to higher standards than most and so to end the campaign with just one trophy does warrant questions, especially as it represents their worst season in five years.
But rather than giving any obvious causes for concern, the answers instead highlight what an impressive feat it was for Chelsea to even win this WSL title and send Hayes off to the United States on a high. There's no doubt that all involved will have wanted to rake in even more silverware, yet they have shown incredible resilience and grit in difficult circumstances to be crowned champions of England once again – and that is something that should be recognised.
GettyReshuffling at the back
There is no more obvious obstacle that Chelsea have had to overcome to win the WSL than injuries. Every team has them, sure, but the players Hayes lost for long spells this season made things remarkably tough.
Millie Bright, her captain, didn't start a game for six months because of a frustrating knee problem, and that first start back came after the team had already lost the Conti Cup final and been knocked out of both the FA Cup and Champions League. It means Jess Carter, still only in her first full season as a regular starter in the heart of defence, has had five different centre-back partners this term. That's not an area you want to chop and change in a lot, but Hayes has had no choice.
AdvertisementGettyNo.9 curse
Then there has been the awful luck in attack. Sam Kerr, Chelsea's star striker, went down with an ACL injury during a warm-weather training camp in January, and just a few weeks later, Mia Fishel, her back-up, suffered the same fate on international duty.
That Mayra Ramirez, the decisive performer in Saturday's title-winning win over Man Utd, has struggled to stay fit following a big January move from Levante has only rubbed salt into the wounds. As a result, there has been a lot of rejigging needed in the No.9 role, too, and other players have had to rise to the occasion, particularly with Kerr missing.
GettyThe kids are alright
That's where we have seen young stars come to the fore. Lauren James, at 22 years old, has regularly stepped up and delivered big goals to keep Chelsea in the hunt for success, as has Aggie Beever-Jones, two years her junior, in a breakthrough season that has ended with her first England call-up.
Carter's reliability in defence has been crucial given the aforementioned circumstances in that area, while Erin Cuthbert and Niamh Charles have shared the armband in Bright's absence and developed as leaders as a result, as well as setting the standard with their performances.
There have been fantastic first seasons from Sjoeke Nusken and Hannah Hampton too, both 23 years old, while Maika Hamano (20) and Catarina Macario (24) have also shown glimpses in their first steps as Chelsea players, the former coming through as a youngster who was on loan in Sweden last year and the latter off the back of almost two years on the sidelines.
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GettyNew era
It certainly bodes well for the future that these younger stars are stepping up to the plate, as it is not only Hayes who is departing this summer. Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde, two experienced players who have been essential to Chelsea's success over the last few years, will also leave the club, while Ann-Katrin Berger, No.1 for the past five years, exited earlier this season.
There is a slight changing of the guard going on, then, and so for so many of this next generation to have handled the pressure in this title race will have pleased Hayes as she aims to leave the team in a positive place for whoever follows in her shoes.
The American star was spectacular for the Rossoneri in 2023-24, but was this his most impressive season yet?
It's hard to believe that it's been eight-and-a-half years since a teenaged Christian Pulisic first seized the spotlight. From the moment he arrived, though, it was clear that the spotlight would be his for years. His initial rise at Dortmund showed that he was special; the only question was how far he could go.
As it turns out, he's gone pretty far, and he's nowhere near done. The U.S. men's national team star already has a legendary resume, one unmatched by any of the American legends that preceded him. He's lifted the Champions League while starring for three of the world's biggest clubs. American soccer has never seen anything quite like Pulisic.
This season, though, offered a glimpse into a whole new player. After several down years at Chelsea, Pulisic rose like a phoenix in Milan, emerging as one of the most influential signings of the 2023-24 season. It was a season that reminded the world of the player Pulisic is and, ultimately, one that reminded the world of the player Pulisic still can be.
The 25-year-old is nearly a decade in, but he's a player that seemingly hasn't reached his best. He's endured his highs and lows, for sure, but the 2023-24 season might just be his biggest high yet.
But was this his best season? How does it compare to his best years at Chelsea and Dortmund? GOAL takes a look at Pulisic's career so far…
Tottenham Hotspur are approaching the end of the festive period with renewed optimism after a remarkable start to the 2023/24 campaign, with a five-match winless run halting a tentative claim for the Premier League title.
Nonetheless, Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit side have returned to form after a testing period, having amassed three successive victories to reclaim a spot in the top four ahead of champions Manchester City – who, albeit, have a game in hand.
Spurs could sign a "relentless" £50m star who's like a "Poch-era Dele Alli"
Ange Postecoglou would turn this Premier League star into an absolute monster.
ByAngus Sinclair Dec 25, 2023
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Spurs have a glorious opportunity to make some signings to bolster the ranks, with Postecoglou revealing earlier in December that strengthening the central defence would be the first port of call.
But the Australian has a vision, and with the attacking ranks also in need of attention, the 2024 summer transfer window could be one of much movement down at N17, with recent reports linking Tottenham to an exciting bid for Federico Chiesa.
Spurs transfer news – Federico Chiesa
According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve – as per Sport Witness – Tottenham are making moves behind the scenes to sign Chiesa from Serie A giants Juventus, with reports last month attributing Postecoglou's side with growing interest.
While a winter transfer is unlikely, the Old Lady are resigned to his eventual sale, given their financial problems and his contract expiring in 2025, and would entertain offers of €80m (£69m), with hopes that stellar showings at next year's European Championships would encourage offers.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been named as suitors in recent months, so Spurs would be wise to press for a deal swiftly and secure an exciting new addition to Postecoglou's squad.
Federico Chiesa's style of play
Chiesa is an impressive, dynamic forward with an array of skills that would enhance Spurs' squad, having been called "world-class" by ex-footballer Alessandro Pierini in the past, though there are unavoidable concerns over his injury record.
In 2022, Chiesa suffered an ACL injury and missed a staggering 66 matches as he struggled to return to fitness, and while the 2022/23 campaign was indeed blighted by the problem, he did return to form at the end of the season, clinching four goal contributions across the final five games.
Described as a "wizard" by writer Roger Bennett, Chiesa has found success across a range of roles but has been utilised frequently as a sort of shadow striker this season, playing centrally and posting five goals and two assists across 13 starting appearances in the Italian top-flight.
As per Sofascore, the 44-cap Italy international has complemented his direct return by creating 1.5 key passes per game, also winning 56% of his contested duels to highlight his tenacity and defensive application.
Silky and inventive, Chiesa would add a dimension to Tottenham's team and continue the rise under Postecoglou's management, and while he's not the prolific centre-forward that is understood to be an area of attention for the club, his style and multi-positional effectiveness would be something worth welcoming to the fold.
#
Player
Club
1
Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford
2
Cody Gakpo
Liverpool
3
Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal
*Sourced via FBref
His creativity could be the perfect asset to continue the dynamism of Spurs' side, ranking among the top 12% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.
This approach would be a brilliant tool to augment the Tottenham squad, with Chiesa's creativity potentially blending sweetly with playmaker James Maddison's in a deeper-lying role, allowing the likes of Heung-min Son and Richarlison to succeed in their goalscoring escapades.
How Federico Chiesa compares to Heung-min Son
Given that Chiesa is a capable forward on top of his natural wide role, he could be lined up as the perfect successor to Son's place in the team, though the South Korean star will certainly not be going anywhere any time soon.
Aged 31, Son has been with Tottenham since signing from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m in 2015, having amassed 391 appearances, scoring 156 goals and supplying 84 assists.
Son might appear a jovial sort but on the pitch, he is a destructive, haunting foe for the opposition, once hailed by former Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo for his "killer" instinct, something that is evidenced by his league return of 11 goals and four assists from 18 matches this season.
Compared to forwards, Son ranks among the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for pass completion, the top 10% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 19% for interceptions per 90.
Indeed, the £190k-per-week machine has also created nine big chances in the Premier League this season, with only Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier tallying more at present.
Revealing his admiration for the distinguished sharpshooter, Jurgen Klopp once said: “One of the big mistakes in my life was that I didn’t sign him. Outstanding player. World-class player and one of the best strikers in the world."
While Son boasts a scoring streak to surpass the 26-year-old Chiesa's, the Juventus forward offers creativity in abundance and has demonstrated in the past his ability to get in amongst the goals himself.
Supported by the creative stars of Tottenham's side, in a free-flowing system that Postecgolou has drilled in, it really could be a match made in heaven.
In 2024, Spurs will likely move for a natural, goalscoring striker, but considering that Chiesa could be made available, his signature must be pursued to continue the rise and ensure that Tottenham have deadly options for years to come.
Son has big boots to fill, but if Chiesa can maintain fitness levels, then he boasts the skill to succeed the club legend.
England Test captain focussed on defining summer after tricky challenges against Ireland and Pakistan
ESPNcricinfo staff06-May-2019Joe Root believes that England are building momentum heading into a landmark season of international cricket.Root, who combined with Man of the Match Eoin Morgan for a 65-run partnership which guided England to victory in a high-pressure T20 against Pakistan in Cardiff on Sunday, said there was a sense the summer had officially begun once the squad had gathered for a camp the previous weekend, also in Cardiff.”It was nice to see everyone at the camp, even though there are a few injuries around, it’s exciting to see the crux of the squad together and to start the journey of the summer,” Root said. “And for us to find a way of winning two games. I know this is a different format but the majority of the squad will be around for the 50-over stuff.”It was a great chance for us to start going in the right direction, to get some momentum going into the one-day series. It’s really pleasing to be two from two and hopefully now carry that forward throughout those five games.”While Root managed just 7 and Morgan a duck in Friday’s ODI win against Ireland, Root’s 47 off 42 deliveries was pivotal against Pakistan. Morgan then blasted 57 off just 29 to snatch a victory over the world’s No.1 T20 side by seven wickets, with just four balls remaining. A neat cameo by Joe Denly, who scored an unbeaten 20 off 12 once Root was dismissed, was also encouraging for the hosts going into the five-match ODI series against Pakistan starting on Wednesday.”What this game did is provide a huge opportunity for guys who haven’t played a huge amount for England, either before or in recent times,” Root said. “It was really important that those guys got something out of it. It’s about them trying to take that opportunity and us finding a way of winning without a normal-looking T20 side, and I thought it was a fantastic effort from the group to win in the manner that we did.”Also among those looking to make the most of their opportunities, was Jofra Archer, who was the pick of the England bowlers with 2 for 29 against Pakistan after a respectable return of 1 for 40 on his international debut two days earlier.”You could see the value of what he could bring to a side, that extra bit of zip,” Root said of Archer’s latest outing. “He makes things happen, he is someone that wants to get into the game and make things happen, which is a brilliant quality to have on this stage. It will be interesting to see how he goes in the next few games.”First-choice opener Jason Roy continues to be monitored after being troubled by back spasms in recent weeks, while a number of other front-line England players who have been rested would be expected to return during the ODIs against Pakistan, meaning competition for World Cup spots intensifies before the squad is finalised on May 23.ALSO READ: Denly’s jack-of-all-trades attributes face their defining testLiam Plunkett and Tom Curran – among the players under most pressure to make way for Archer should he be included – did their causes no harm by taking seven wickets between them against Ireland. Wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes, on the other hand, is further down the list despite top scoring with 61 not out in a Man-of-the-Match performance against Ireland.More likely to squeeze his way in, particularly if Roy remains under a cloud, is James Vince, who played attractive, if unspectacular, knocks in the first two matches of this World Cup warm-up. Vince has remodelled himself as an opener on the advice of Root and selector Ed Smith, with a view to breaking back into the England side for the Ashes, if not before. Roy’s injury and the omission of Alex Hales, combined with some excellent form for Hampshire, have delivered Vince’s chance even sooner than perhaps he expected.As Test captain, Root admitted he was already looking ahead to the Ashes, for which he said Archer was under consideration, along with many others within and outside the current England set-up.”I am looking at everyone with an eye on the Ashes, anyone that is in the shake-up,” Root said. “I’ll try and not be too emotional about it and make sure that my main focus is on preparing well and being ready for the World Cup. Subconsciously you are always looking at county cricket, around the squad, who is in good form, who could potentially be a good option for the Ashes squad.”Not only has playing matches helped the squad look ahead, Root said it had also allowed them to put the drama of Hales’ axing for recreational drug use behind them.”To be honest, it’s just been nice to get back playing cricket,” Root said. “It’s felt a long time since that West Indies tour finished and with the enormity of this summer, it’s nice to get it going and playing. I know they will come round quite quickly now, these five games, so we just want to start playing and focusing on that now.”
Tottenham are thought to be in regular discussions to make a third January signing after Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner, with the player's club also willing to sell.
Spurs seal Werner and Dragusin deals
This first two weeks of the winter window has been one of the best in recent memory for Spurs, with manager Ange Postecoglou given real backing in his pursuit of early signings.
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Indeed, the Australian was public in admitting that he wants new recruits through the door in quick fashion this month, with Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy obliging.
"The January window, like for every club, is an important one," said Postecoglou on the January window last year (via football.london).
"My view on the January one is that if you can get your business done early in the window it certainly is more helpful because you leave it until the end of January and sometimes what you train to gain you've missed that opportunity by waiting a whole month."
Earlier this week, Spurs confirmed the signing of Werner from RB Leipzig on a six-month loan deal with an option to buy of around £15.5 million, while Dragusin joins in a £25 million deal from Genoa.
These two quick-fire moves come as a real boost for Postecoglou, with Dragusin coming in to shore up Spurs' back line which has been starved of options.
Both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been absent for long periods over the last few months, leaving Postecoglou with little choice but to deploy a makeshift centre-back pairing of Emerson Royal and Ben Davies.
Meanwhile, Werner's arrival will provide another attacking outlet for Tottenham and versatility in the forward area.
Following Spurs' capture of the aforementioned duo, attention now turns to Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with widespread reports suggesting that Postecoglou is keen on the 23-year-old.
Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham want a new midfield number eight and running man, with Gallagher fitting the bill in that respect.
The Englishman has been a star for the Blues this season, becoming a key player under manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, it is still believed that Chelsea could sell Gallagher in a shock move to fund their own transfer activity.
Spurs in "daily dialogue" over Gallagher
Football Insider have an update on this and Spurs' links to the midfielder, and it comes as a bit of good news. The outlet claims Tottenham are in "daily dialogue" over signing Gallagher, with Chelsea also "willing to sell" if their valuation of around £45-50 million is met.
A potential stumbling block is the tension-filled relationship between Spurs and the west Londoners, but chairman Levy and co are working on a deal regardless as they eye "another marquee signing".
It will be interesting to see if they can get Gallagher through the door, and if they do, this January window would go down as a very memorable one at N17.
Liverpool are unlikely to do anything drastic in the January transfer window after such heavy spending in the summer, with Jurgen Klopp's side firing on all cylinders and performing admirably despite several setbacks to key members throughout the campaign.
The Premier League pace-setters saw numerous changes to the midfield before the start of the term after finishing fifth last year and consequently missing out on the Champions League.
Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez had arrived over the previous three windows to strengthen the offensive ranks in what facilitated full focus on the engine room.
But with Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury in December, the long-discussed concerns regarding Liverpool's defence were heightened, and now bolstering the backline is surely the imperative.
That said, Jarell Quansah's rise to first-team prominence this season has eased fears in the short-term and the 20-year-old looks fit for purpose under Klopp's wing for many years to come – as such, a new centre-back will probably arrive at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo
According to Friday's edition of French newspaper Nice-Matin – via Paisley Gates – Liverpool have the 'advantage' over Manchester United in the race to sign OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain also interested in the player.
Todibo is considered to be the Red Devils' No. 1 defensive target but will require a €60m (£52m) outlay to welcome him to the squad this month, which has dissuaded the named suitors from making their move thus far.
Having wedged his way into the France national set-up ahead of the European Championship this summer, Todibo might prefer to stay put for the time being, which would allow Liverpool to swoop in after the season's conclusion.
How Jean-Clair Todibo compares to Virgil van Dijk
It's believed that Todibo, aged 24, views Liverpool as the most attractive option, should he leave Nice in 2024, with a legendary manager in Klopp, the prestige and awe of Anfield and a first-class playing squad seemingly convincing the player of his preferred destination at this stage.
But Man United have links to Les Aiglons following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS affiliation with the French side; simply, United have technical means to edge the race and Liverpool will need to rely on the allure of the club to prevail.
There's a reason that many top European outfits are fighting for Todido's services, with the Frenchman described as a "Rolls-Royce" defender by journalist and U23 scout Antonio Mango, kickstarting his career across 117 appearances with Nice after a failed spell as a youngster with Barcelona.
This season, with Nice second in Ligue 1 after 17 matches and boasting the division's best defensive record (nine goals conceded), Todibo has been a rock in the defence, starting 14 matches, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.3 tackles, 3.2 clearances and 7.9 ball recoveries per game while succeeding with 71% of his dribbles and 65% of his aerial duels, as per Sofascore.
Making a frankly obscene rate of recoveries each outing is an illumination of the player's remarkable skill set, and it is not surprising at all that a player of his protean ability is now destined for a move to the Premier League.
Klopp could ruin Endo with Liverpool move for £30m "monster"
Jurgen Klopp may well return for this former target in 2024.
ByAngus Sinclair Jan 12, 2024
As per FBref, the 6 foot 3 titan ranks among the top 15% of centre-halves across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 16% interceptions and the top 10% for tackles per 90.
Let's explicate: the metrics above highlight the two-cap Les Bleus star's eye-catching ball-playing ability while simultaneously underscoring the robustness and athleticism that has been so important to his game.
#
Player
Club
1
William Saliba
Arsenal
2
Pau Torres
Aston Villa
3
Ezri Konsa
Aston Villa
4
Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal
5
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool
*Sourced via Football Transfers
Moreover, he is tenacious in his defensive duties and protects his goalkeeper with an iron-clad resolve in the rearguard, as shown through his tackling statistics.
With such a rounded skill set, it's no wonder that Liverpool are interested in landing the colossus, especially given the likeness he shares with Virgil van Dijk – just imagine having a new version of the Netherlands captain welcomed to the fold.
Imagine Jean-Clair Todibo & Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool signed Van Dijk from Southampton for £75m in December 2017 and he revolutionised Klopp's squad, instilling confidence, cohesion and security across the backline and beyond, utterly magnificent in his duties and integral to the silver-laden successes of the past years.
The 32-year-old flattered to deceive last year but has returned to his apex since the summer, now donning the captain's armband, and has been immense in the English top-flight, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 5.0 ball recoveries and 4.5 clearances per fixture and winning 78% of his duels – which, to be honest, is absurd.
Todibo is not at Van Dijk's level and it would be foolhardy to assume that he could perform at the same imperious standard, but that's not to say that he couldn't reflect some of the skipper's glowing qualities and even make improvements to edge toward a similar level in the future.
Stat (per 90)
Todibo
Van Dijk
Matches played
14
18
Goals
0
1
Pass completion %
90.5%
90.5%
Tackles
1.99
1.50
Blocks
1.47
1.39
Interceptions
1.32
1.39
Clearances
3.31
4.74
Aerial success %
62.5%
82%
Progressive passes
4.85
5.43
Progressive carries
0.74
0.98
Successful take-ons
0.74
0.06
Shot-creating actions
1.47
1.68
*Sourced via FBref's player comparison tool
At a glance, the table above suggests that Van Dijk towers over the Nice ace, and while he bests him across many qualities, both are crisp and creative in possession and progressive with their ball-carrying.
Todibo's stunning ratio of successful take-ons (which means how often a player beats an opponent while in possession of the ball) is also a singular and distinctive quality that only deepens the argument that he should be signed.
With improvements over the coming years, Todibo's already impressive metrics across the park could gain even more merit and allow him to perform at the same level as Van Dijk.
And with both titans performing alongside each other under Klopp's guidance, who knows how mighty Liverpool's defence could be.
خيم التعادل السلبي على نتيجة مباراة الكويت أمام العراق والتي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026 عن قارة آسيا.
وأقيمت المباراة بين العراق والكويت على أرضية ملعب استاد جابر الأحمد الدولي، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثانية لحساب الدور الثالث من مرحلة التصفيات.
ويتواجد منتخبا الكويت والعراق في المجموعة الثانية التي تضم إلى جوارهما منتخبات الأردن وكوريا الجنوبية وعمان وفلسطين.
طالع.. فيديو | منتخب عمان يخسر أمام كوريا الجنوبية بثلاثية في تصفيات كأس العالم
وحاول لاعبو المنتخبين التسجيل أو إحراز أي أهداف على مدار الشوطين، إلا أن كافة محاولتهم باءت بالفشل وانتهى اللقاء سلبيًا.
كما تلقى ريبين سولاقا لاعب العراق بطاقة حمراء في الدقيقة 7 من عمر اللقاء، بعد تعمده عرقلة ناصر حسين مهاجم الكويت قبل انفراده بحارس المرمى. طرد ريبين سولاقا في مباراة العراق والكويت بتصفيات كأس العالم
وكان منتخب العراق حقق فوزًا صعبًا على عمان في الجولة الأولى، بينما تعادل الكويت مع الأردن في تصفيات آسيا لكأس العالم.
وبهذه النتيجة وصل رصيد منتخب العراق إلى النقطة الرابعة في المركز الثالث بالمجموعة الثانية من تصفيات كأس العالم، بينما يحتل منتخب الكويت المركز الرابع ولديه نقطتين.
The Premier League's winter break could not have come at a better time for Arsenal as, following three losses on the spin, they are sat in fourth place and out of the FA Cup, and to make matters worse, Manchester City are now three points clear of them after winning their game in hand.
There are a plethora of things that have gone wrong for Mikel Arteta's side, from an attack that scored one goal in three games to a defence that seems to have lost some of its resilience.
With that in mind, it shouldn't be a surprise to hear that the latest name touted for a move to the Emirates could rival Oleksandr Zinchenko for the left-back role, if not displace him altogether.
Arsenal table bid for talented full-back
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are looking to 'bolster their left-back position' and have already made an offer to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their Algerian international Rayan Aït Nouri.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, this offer was rebuffed by the Old Gold as they are said to value the 22-year-old at more than £50m, and worse yet, the Midlands side are said to be in talks with Liverpool regarding the defender.
The full-back's involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations could further complicate negotiations as, depending on how far Algeria goes in the competition, he could be out of the country until mid-February.
However, with Zinchenko far from his impressive best this season and potentially sidelined for this weekend's game against Crystal Palace, it might be worth the Gunners pulling out all the stops to get this deal done.
How Rayan Aït Nouri compares to Oleksandr Zinchenko
There is no denying that Zinchenko made a significant and positive impact at Arsenal when he signed from City last summer; from his fantastic passing range to his on-pitch talks and even his interactions with the fans, he looked as if he was a firm fan favourite.
However, with football being as it is, the Ukrainian's stock has fallen somewhat among the Arsenal faithful this season. A number of high-profile errors have led some pundits, such as Gary Neville, to label him a defensive "liability".
While this might be somewhat harsh, it is hard to wholeheartedly reject it following his blunders at Anfield both last season and this season, his comical mixup against West Ham United last month and, unfortunately for him, those aren't the only examples.
So, with this in mind, it might be worth signing another, more defensively impressive left-back to rival the former City man for that starting berth, which is where Aït Nouri comes in.
When comparing the pair's underlying numbers, it becomes crystal clear that the "huge talent", as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, would be a defensive upgrade on the Arsenal man.
Rayan Aït Nouri vs Oleksandr Zinchenko
Stats per 90
Aït Nouri
Zinchenko
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.18
0.15
Progressive Carries
2.44
2.01
Progressive Passes
4.17
12.0
Passing Accuracy
82.2%
87.7%
Tackles Won
1.73
1.72
Blocks
1.18
1.12
Clearances
1.97
0.90
Errors Leading to Goals
0.00
0.15
Ball Recoveries
6.30
5.67
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Premier League Season
For example, where Zinchenko has averaged 0.15 errors leading to a goal per 90 this season, Aït Nouri hasn't made a single error leading to a goal. He also wins more tackles, makes more blocks and clearances, and considerably more ball recoveries per 90.
There are some areas, such as progressive passing, in which Zinchenko is clear of the young Algerian, but with time on his side and the prospect of playing in a better team, he could produce a similar output down the line.
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Ultimately, while Zinchenko is still a quality player, his defensive mistakes are starting to cost Arsenal, and in a title race with City and Liverpool, that isn't good enough, so the Gunners should do all they can to get this deal over the line.