Tag Futebol

All of 19, he has already played in the IPL, PSL, BBL, the Hundred, MLC, LPL and SA20, and could soon have a CPL title to his name

Ashish Pant05-Oct-2024It has been an incredibly consistent run for St Lucia Kings in CPL 2024. After winning seven of their ten league games and bagging 14 points for the first time, Kings became the first team to make the playoffs this season. At different stages in the tournament, different people have put their hands up for Kings. While Johnson Charles and Faf du Plessis have led the way with the bat, it is Noor Ahmad, the Afghanistan wristspinner, who has made the biggest impact with the ball, in his maiden CPL season.All of 19, he has already played in the IPL, PSL, BBL, the Hundred, MLC, LPL and SA20. So, it was no surprise that when he arrived at the CPL, he looked like a seasoned campaigner almost from the get-go. And he’s bowled that way.Noor is comfortably the leading wicket-taker so far in the tournament with 19 wickets in 11 games, averaging 14.31 at an economy rate of 6.32. He has taken at least a wicket in all but two matches, which includes three three-wicket hauls. Having a gun wristspinner is something that Kings lacked last season with Sikandar Raza, who can now turn the ball both ways, and Peter Hatzoglou not as effective. But getting Noor on board has changed the narrative for Kings.Related

• Barbados to host maiden CPL final in 2026

• Russell feels TKR were 'robbed' by Eliminator floodlight failure

• Johnson Charles switches his T20 fortunes

“Playing CPL is a wonderful experience,” Noor tells ESPNcricinfo. “It is very competitive, [has] beautiful stadiums, a beautiful crowd. The atmosphere to play cricket in the Caribbean is absolutely great.”The belief and trust that I have got from the management and captain, that is something that gives me the feeling that I can do well for my team in any situation of the game. Reading the situation, reading the conditions, then I know how to bowl in that particular situation. That is something that has helped me a lot throughout this CPL.”The conditions in the Caribbean aren’t always the easiest for an overseas spinner. The winds can often disrupt lengths, and adjusting to the surfaces is also a challenge, but Noor has adapted quickly. Sixteen of the 19 wickets that he has picked in CPL 2024 have been of right-handers. He’s used the wind to his advantage and got the wrong’uns to pitch on the right areas. And against left-handers, he has been tight, conceding just 5.34 runs against them.ESPNcricinfo LtdIt helped that Noor was part of the Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad in the West Indies and USA earlier in the year and while he just managed a wicket in seven outings, the experience of the Caribbean conditions has kept him in good stead.”Yeah, I already played in the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean,” Noor says. “So it wasn’t much to think about all these things as to how the conditions will be because I had already played here recently, and I know the situations and the conditions very well. I had three training sessions before the start of the tournament, and I got the idea what to do and it’s been great since then.”His proudest moment was certainly being part of the Afghanistan team that had qualified for the T20 World Cup semi-final for the very first time.”It was an unforgettable journey. Going to the semi-final among the best teams in the world was not easy,” Noor said. “Before the start of the tournament, we as a group, as a team believed that we can go to the semi-final and final because of the skills and talent we had in our team. All these things made the difference for us.”Kings have made it to the Eliminator three times and the final twice but have not been able to lay their hands on the trophy even once. With Noor going the way he is, and the top order firing, Kings will be hopeful of going all the way. They will have four days to rest and reboot and will hope they get third time lucky as far as CPL finals go.

Fiorentina have been forced to implement urgent security measures and involve local authorities after players, staff and their families received threats from sections of their own supporters. The alarming situation erupted in the wake of the club’s latest defeat, which leaves them bottom of Serie A and still without a win this season, deepening the crisis in Tuscany.

Fiorentina pump up security after threats from fans

Fiorentina’s 3-1 defeat to Sassuolo has sparked one of the darkest moments of the 2025-26 Serie A campaign, with the Viola bottom of the table after 14 winless matches and tensions boiling over among frustrated supporters. In the hours following the result at Reggio Emilia, several players and staff members reported receiving threats, which escalated concerns within the club and forced officials to take immediate action. With the squad enduring their worst start to a league season in history, the growing anger from certain fans has crossed into alarming territory, prompting Fiorentina to intervene quickly.

The club has responded by stepping up security protocols and contacting local authorities to guarantee the protection of players and their families. The Viola also reached out directly to all individuals impacted, ensuring they received immediate support while investigations began into the threats made. The incident reflects the intense pressure surrounding the team amid a spiralling on-field crisis that has now evolved into a broader institutional emergency.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFiorentina release crucial statement condemning fan behaviour

In an official communication, the club stated: "ACF Fiorentina expresses its full solidarity and solidarity with the players and their families following the unacceptable and shameful threats received in the hours following the defeat in Reggio Emilia against Sassuolo.

"This type of behaviour has no place in football, nor in any part of our society.

"The Club immediately contacted its members and the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the players, staff members, their loved ones, and the families affected.

"ACF Fiorentina, while thanking the many supporters who have already expressed their affection and support following these unfortunate events, reiterates that there will never be room for intimidation, hatred, or violence.

"Our commitment to protecting our players and their families remains absolute."

Fiorentina winless in Serie A after 14 games

This crisis comes during a historically disastrous season for Fiorentina, who sit bottom of Serie A with just six points from 14 matches and remain the only winless side in the league. The collapse has been sudden and dramatic, especially following a sixth-place finish the previous year and expectations of a competitive return to European football. Manager Stefano Pioli was dismissed in early November after four draws and six defeats, but his successor, Paolo Vanoli, has also struggled to ignite any meaningful turnaround.

The turmoil extends beyond the pitch as sporting director Daniele Prade resigned shortly after Pioli’s dismissal, leaving a leadership vacuum at a time when the club desperately needs stability. Summer signings such as Edin Dzeko and Roberto Piccoli have failed to make an impact, while Vanoli has criticised his squad’s mentality, claiming they “don’t work for each other” during the recent run of defeats. The lack of cohesion, confidence, and direction has created a volatile environment now spilling into dangerous territory.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportFiorentina shift focus towards Conference League clash

Fiorentina now face the complex task of protecting their players while attempting to salvage a season that is rapidly slipping towards disaster. Enhanced security measures will remain in place as authorities investigate the threats, and the club plans to support affected individuals while reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on violence.

The immediate focus shifts to Thursday’s Conference League fixture against Dynamo Kyiv, where a positive result could help ease tension. Attention will then turn to Sunday’s crucial Serie A clash against Hellas Verona, a match that could define Fiorentina’s trajectory heading into the new year.

Lionel Messi has lifted the lid on the impact that Omar Souto, the long-serving general manager of Argentina's national teams within the country's football association, had on his career. The 73-year-old passed away this week, sending Argentina's football community into mourning, with flags at the nation's two footballing hubs to fly at half mast in tribute.

• Souto gave birth to Messi's Argentina career

  Posting on Instagram to his 509 million followers, Messi shared his tribute to Souto with the world.

  The Inter Miami megastar credits Souto with making his international career possible. Messi has clinched two Copa America titles and the World Cup in 196 appearances and counting since 2005, scoring a South American record 115 goals along the way.

  Messi, who had been living and playing in Spain with Barcelona from the age of 13, first represented Argentina at Under-20 level in 2004, making his senior debut aged 18.

  "You were always there, and you were the one who paved the way for the AFA to notice me," he posted in memory of Souto. "A tremendous human being, impossible to forget for all of us who had the privilege of playing for the National Team. Your mark will remain forever. We will never forget you, Omar. Rest in peace."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Argentina in mourning

  The news of Souto's passing had been shared publicly in a statement by his long-term employer.

  "The Argentine Football Association reports with enormous sorrow and sadness the passing of Omar Souto, long-time Manager of National Teams," the body's announcement read.

  "All the employees at the AFA headquarters bid farewell to 'Papua' with unparallelled affection and love. Thank you, Omar, for carrying the AFA flag high until your final days. For your unwavering commitment to the national teams and for leaving an unparallelled legacy at the Ezeiza training complex. 

  "You will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew you and those who worked with you. We embrace your family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

  "The Argentine Football Association has declared three days of mourning, with flags at half-mast at its headquarters on Viamonte and in Ezeiza. A minute of silence will also be observed at all matches played that weekend."

• Messi could have been poached by Spain

  With Messi based at La Masia in Barcelona, leaving South America behind while still a child, Spanish football officials seemingly knew about his enormous talent before their equivalents in Argentina did. Growing up and attending school in Spain, it's plausible that he could have become eligible and eventually switched allegiance while waiting for Argentina to get in touch.

  Souto and a colleague actually ended up being tipped off about the kid known as 'Leo' by the Spanish cohort at an Under-20 World Cup tournament in 2003, confused as to why Messi wasn't involved.

  "In the Under-20 World Cup, we were always with Spain in the hotels, and a person from their technical staff approached us and said, 'How come you didn't bring the kid from Barcelona? He is much better than everyone here,'" Souto revealed to in 2021.

  "In that team, we had [Fernando] Cavenaghi, [Javier] Mascherano, Maxi Lopez, and one day when we returned to Buenos Aires, [Hugo] Tocalli told me we had to get that player [Messi]. I thought his name was Leonardo because everyone called him Leo. I went to a call centre in Monte Grande and asked for a directory of the city of Rosario where all the Messis were listed.

  "I called the grandmother who gave me the uncle's phone number, when I called him, he gave me the father's number, who when I called said, 'Finally, you are going to call him up. My son wants to play for the Argentine national team.'"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Extra World Cup motivation

  Forget being the first men's team to retain the World Cup in more than half a century, doing it for 'Papua' is all the motivation that Messi and Argentina will need heading into the 2026 tournament.

  Souto has left a lasting impression on every player that has been through the national team system for decades, and so every player named in Lionel Scaloni's final squad will have a personal reason to win it for him all over again.

The shape that defines this Test series is a sphere, and it comes in various forms

Alan Gardner16-Jul-2025There’s nothing the Light Roller likes more than panto season – especially when it arrives during the height of the English Test summer. England versus India began with lots of apparent bonhomie between the teams – most international players are IPL frat bros, one way or another, these days – so the introduction of a little niggle, the grit in the Lord’s oyster, was timely.Nobody threw any jellybeans, which is a pity, but there was lots of finger-pointing, verbal battles and crowd involvement as both sides sought an extra edge. We often talk about the “theatre” of Test cricket, which is presumed to mean heroic exploits, epic plotlines and grandiloquent stanzas of play. But it’s also worth getting in the popcorn when players start prancing around like they’re putting on at the Bedford Corn Exchange.The first shouts of “He’s behind you!” might have begun with England’s cute ploy of bringing the keeper up to the stumps in order to stop the Shubman Gill run machine in its tracks. But Gill then assumed centre stage during a fractious mini-mini-session at the end of day three, yelling at Zak Crawley to “grow some f***ing balls” and then miming for an impact substitute (back to the IPL again) when the England opener opted for the blatant time-wasting tactic of calling on the physio after a ball hit the middle of his bat.Related

Explained: The how, where and what of replacement balls in Test cricket

Siraj fined and handed demerit point for Duckett wicket celebration

Sledging, swearing, send-offs – Lord's needling promises explosive series ahead

India unhappy with replacement ball as Dukes loses shape too soon again

Perhaps, given the problems with the Dukes balls in this series, Gill was just trying to come up with a practical solution. Of all the England players, Crawley most looks like a member of the landowning class who might be able to dedicate farming resource to cultivating some sort of new-age alternative to cork and leather.Okay, so it’s more likely he was talking about cojones, certainly giving the accompanying hand gestures. And while Lord’s might be an improbable venue to stage a royal rumble – even with Alex Carey’s underhand/underarm antics to stir things up – there was an air of WWE to proceedings as Mohammed Siraj played to his “heel” status, copping a fine for his efforts, and Washington Sundar baited all and sundry with some ballsy chat of his own.To cap it all off, England tore up the saintly playbook they have adhered to under Brendon McCullum in order to generate a last-day atmosphere that harked back to the time when men were men and teams bowled 100 overs in a day. Then, when the dust settled, there were handshakes and hugs, solemn gestures of respect and brotherly love between combatants. Which is fine, so long as they go back to the Punch and Judy stuff when the series resumes at Old Trafford next week.Wiaan Mulder: not yet a legend•Zimbabwe Cricket

****

“New balls, please!” It’s been Wimbledon fortnight, but nowhere has the demand for a replacement batch of projectiles been louder than at Test matches in England. The Dukes ball, as mentioned, apparently goes soft quicker than a millennial faced with an awkward social situation, and needs to be changed more often than Gen Z change their pronouns. Is this because the cricket balls of today can’t withstand a little corporal punishment? Are the cows of Brexit Britain no longer the leathery leaders in their field? Maybe it’s another symptom of the inexorable decline of Western liberal values? Answers on a postcard to the ECB.`

****

Of all the things we were not expecting to write about this month, the question of whether Wiaan Mulder should have backed himself to go on and break Brian Lara’s record for the highest individual score in Test history would be right at the top of the list (or maybe, after some time to consider over lunch, fifth). Mulder said afterwards that he felt “Lara keeping the record is exactly the way it should be”, clearly fully aware of the pelters he would have received had he gone on past 400 in what was a Test in name only, and effectively South Africa B against an under-strength Zimbabwe. As an aside, Mulder revealed that it was Shukri Conrad who advised: “Listen, let the legends keep the really big scores.” Never mind what the public thinks of him, perhaps Mulder should be more worried about how highly he’s rated by his own coach.

Hammarby manager Kim Hellberg has now travelled to the UK to hold talks with Swansea City about taking their vacant managerial role, with the Championship side advancing their move during the international break.

Since making the decision to sack Alan Sheehan, Swansea have been linked with moves for a number of names with Hellberg at the very top of their list. Alongside the 37-year-old, former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has been linked with the job, whilst Russell Martin is reportedly open to making an unexpected return.

The former Swansea manager has endured a couple of years to forget in the dugout, having been sacked by Southampton in the Premier League and then by Rangers as one of their most unsuccessful managers of all time. Now, he desperately needs his next move to go well.

The Swans could also do with getting things right after sacking Sheehan. They currently sit 18th and seven points above the dropzone. Get things wrong and they face the risk of falling into a relegation battle this season.

With Middlesbrough and Norwich City also on the hunt for new managers, Swansea must also act fast if they are to secure their top managerial target. The last thing they want to do is miss their stop on the managerial merry-go-round in the Championship.

In an ideal world, those in Wales will have their top candidate through the door by the end of the international break and in time to face Bristol City on November 22. Whether that candidate will be Carrick, Martin or Hellberg is the big question.

Swansea advance Hellberg move

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Hellberg has now travelled to hold talks with Swansea and is now in London as the Wales-based side look to advance their move for the Hammarby boss.

All signs are pointing towards the 37-year-old becoming the next Swansea manager as things stand, although things could still change. And if it is to be the Swede, then those in Wales will be welcoming yet another young manager.

Hellberg has only ever managed two clubs, with his time in Hammarby particularly standing out as a success. It’s there that he has maintained a points per game record of 1.89 across 73 games in charge to take his side into the top two of the Allsvenskan.

The Championship is another challenge entirely, but it’s not the first time that Swansea have thought outside the box when it comes to hiring a manager. They, of course, hired a young Graham Potter in 2018 after he left Swedish club Ostersunds FK.

Manager who called Swansea City fans "fantastic" now open to replacing Sheehan

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Fábio Carille aprovou a ida de Neymar à Vila Belmiro na vitória do Santos contra o Palmeiras, pela partida de ida da final do Paulistão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasTorcida do Palmeiras detona titular na derrota contra o Santos: ‘jogo grande sempre entrega’Palmeiras31/03/2024Fora de CampoBenja critica atuação de jogador do Palmeiras contra o Santos: ‘Mal demais’Fora de Campo31/03/2024SantosGuilherme brinca com Otero após vitória do Santos na final do Paulistão: ‘Paga um jantar?’Santos31/03/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Para Carille, a presença de Neymar ajudou a tornar o clima na Vila Belmiro mais hostil e complicado para o Palmeiras. Ele também valorizou a presença de Pepe e Clodoaldo, ídolos do Peixe que trouxeram a taça do Paulistão ao gramado.

➡️ Com R$50 no Lance! Betting, você fatura R$255 se apostar no 1 a 1 entre Santos x Palmeiras

– É um nome grande no futebol mundial, é craque e diferente. Quando fiquei sabendo disso gostei da ideia, ainda mais para incendiar o estádio. Passou rápido pelo vestiário,e preferi assim. Pode muito oba-oba, mexe com pessoas, cara de Copa do Mundo e vencedor. Estava Pepe e Clodoaldo também. Gerações e histórias, isso só engrandece a história e motiva muito. Incendiou o torcedor – disse o treinador durante coletiva.

continua após a publicidade

Carille também indicou que não pretende mudar o sistema tático do Santos para jogar no Allianz Parque. Após derrota na fase de grupos jogando na casa do Palmeiras, o treinador do Peixe criticou o gramado sintético do rival, que passou por reformas.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários do Paulistão

– Muito difícil. Chegamos aqui assim e fazer algo diferente é arriscado. Acho melhor melhorar a parte ofensiva e defensiva em cima do adversário que vamos jogar do que mudar o sistema. Jogadores podem sentir desconfortáveis e isso não é bom para nós – ponderou.

continua após a publicidade

A grande decisão entre Santos e Palmeiras será no domingo (7), às 18h, no Allianz Parque. O Peixe pode empatar no próximo final de semana que ainda leva o título do Paulistão. Em caso de vitória da equipe de Abel Ferreira por um gol de diferença, o duelo será decidido nos pênaltis.

Tudo sobre

Fabio CarillePaulistãoSantos

And what’s the highest score repeated back-to-back by a batter in ODIs?

Steven Lynch21-Oct-2025 In the recent Test in Lahore, Hasan Ali did not score a run despite batting twice, did not take a wicket despite bowling in both innings, and did not take a catch. Have there been any similar (non) performances like this in Tests? asked Hassan Abbas from Canada

Pakistan’s Hasan Ali did not make any runs in the first Test against South Africa in Lahore last week despite batting twice (for two 0 not-outs) and bowling in both innings (two lots of 0 for 14); he also did not take a catch.This was the 31st such barren performance in a Test match, the first since Australia’s Scott Boland against England at Headingley in 2023. Cuan McCarthy of South Africa and Shannon Gabriel of West Indies – noted rabbits with the bat – did it twice. In only 13 of these instances was the player dismissed for 0 in both innings.Ibrahim Zadran made consecutive 95s against Bangladesh recently. Was this the highest repeat score in ODIs? asked Ahmedul Kabir from Bangladesh

The Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran followed his 95 against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi last week with another 95 against them three days later. The highest repeated score in successive one-day internationals is 116, by South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs against Kenya and India during the 2002 Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka. Gibbs retired hurt in the second of those. The highest score for consecutive ODI dismissals is 113 by Virat Kohli, against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2022, and Sri Lanka in Guwahati a month later.In women’s ODIs, Tazmin Brits of South Africa made 101 and 101 not out in successive innings against West Indies and Pakistan in 2025.In Tests, Pakistan’s Aamer Sohail had successive innings of 160 against West Indies in Rawalpindi and Karachi late in 1997, while the highest repeated score in T20Is is 78, by Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming of Japan against Singapore and Hong Kong in 2024.In India’s first innings in Delhi against West Indies, the openers were out stumped and run-out. Has this ever happened before in a Test? asked Michael Porter from England

Rather surprisingly perhaps, the dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in Delhi last week provided the 20th instance of both openers being out stumped or run out in the same Test innings. That includes eight cases of two run outs and six of two stumpings, leaving six occasions where one opener was run-out and the other stumped.Sydney Barnes, seen here with his wife and son, took two seven-fors in his final Test•PA PhotosImam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha were both out for 93 against South Africa in Lahore. What’s the highest identical score by two batsmen in the same Test innings? asked Simon from South Korea

You’re right that the Pakistan pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha were both out for 93 against South Africa in the first Test in Lahore last week. But it was quite a way short of the highest repeated score in a Test innings – 234 by the Australians Sid Barnes and Don Bradman for Australia against England in Sydney in 1946.Barnes claimed he got out deliberately so as to tie Bradman’s score, which was an Australian record for the SCG at the time. “I preferred to have my name associated with Don’s in holding the joint record,” he wrote. “I worshipped him. He could do no wrong as far as I was concerned… I hit one high above my head and walked out.” Back in the dressing room, Bradman congratulated him on his innings: “You have done a great job for Australia.” Barnes responded: “You didn’t do so bad yourself.”The highest score repeated three times in a Test innings is exactly 50, which has happened twice: by West Indies against India in Port-of-Spain in 1962 (by Easton McMorris, Willie Rodriguez and Wes Hall, who was not out), and New Zealand against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2014 (Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson and Tim Southee).What are the best bowling figures by someone playing in their final Test match? asked Simon Johnstone from Scotland

The only man to take eight wickets in an innings in his final Test was the old Surrey and England fast bowler Tom Richardson, with 8 for 64 against Australia in Sydney early in 1898. There have been 11 other instances of a bowler taking seven wickets in an innings in their final Test (including two by Sydney Barnes; see below). Rashid Khan took 7 for 66 in his most recent Test for in Bulawayo in January, but will presumably play again.The best match figures in a player’s last Test are 14 for 144 (7 for 56 and 7 for 88) by Barnes f or England against South Africa in Durban in February 1914. By the time Test cricket resumed after the First World War, Barnes was 47, although he was still playing to a high level and might well have been called up. Jack Ferris (1891-92) and Clarrie Grimmett (1935-36) both took 13 wickets in what turned out to be their final Test match, and six other men took ten or more (excludes current players).Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Leeds United are keen to strengthen their Premier League survival bid with signings and could now go all out for one of France’s most exciting young defenders.

The Whites have endured a frustrating start to the campaign and will know the size of the challenge that lies ahead for Daniel Farke, who has received his fair share of criticism lately following a recent shaky run of form at Elland Road.

Undoubtedly, the German boss has shown he is capable of leading his side into the top-flight from the Sky Bet Championship, a market he may be willing to raid in mid-season to bolster his flailing attacking line.

Coventry City forward Haji Wright is on Leeds’ radar and could be someone who arrives at Elland Road for a fee in the region of £20 million, helped by the fact that his contract at Frank Lampard’s men is set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Troy Parrott is also wanted by the Whites after his Republic of Ireland heroics. However, the AZ Alkmaar man has made a name for himself in the Netherlands, and it is difficult to envisage the ex-Tottenham Hotspur product moving to England amid Farke’s interest in Gonzalo Garcia of Real Madrid.

Not strengthening isn’t an option, given Leeds’ rivals are likely to bring in new additions in an attempt to beat the drop once the window opens for business.

With that in mind, the Whites are now looking to strengthen their backline with one of Europe’s rising stars being the subject of major attention.

Leeds eyeing move for Tylel Tati

According to On The Minute, Leeds have joined the hunt to sign FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati, who has become one of French football’s top young talents in recent times following his emergence in Ligue 1.

Laying plans to land future reinforcements, the Whites are set to face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen after his ‘poise in possession’ and tactical awareness won high praise from scouts across Europe.

Tylel Tati in Ligue 1 2025/26 (Fotmob)

Duels won

23

Pass completion rate

87.8%

Recoveries

31

Blocked shots

9

Dribble success

71.4%

Overall, the 17-year-old has made 11 senior appearances for Nantes and is growing in stature with every passing minute. However, he is under contract in France until the summer of 2028, and it remains to be seen how much first-team football he would earn elsewhere.

Primarily a central defender, he has also been capped three times at Under-18 level for his home country as his progress continues to be rewarded.

Leeds are also eyeing a move for a Premier League veteran

Being plunged into the potential event of a relegation battle may be a tough ask for a player at an early stage in his career, though Farke and company would hope he would relish the challenge.

The next Raphinha: Leeds to move for £17m star with a "magical left foot"

This attacker could add much needed final third creativity for Leeds

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 22, 2025

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reportedly facing a significant blow to his January transfer plans after news about a top winger target.

While the January transfer window is set to become a major topic of discussion soon, all attention is currently centered around this weekend’s North London derby clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The statistics paint a pretty bleak picture for Frank’s side, with as many as 11 players either set to miss the clash through injury or are doubts at the very least.

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

Arsenal prolonged their unbeaten run against Tottenham to six matches in January this year, having also done the double over Spurs in 2023. The Lilywhites have also failed to chalk up a single victory against their fiercest rivals in three years, with their last win coming at the end of the 2021/2022 season under Antonio Conte.

Harry Kane’s brace and a goal from Son Heung-min handed Spurs a statement 3-0 victory on their run to qualify for the Champions League that year, but that remains their only triumph over Arsenal in their last nine meetings.

While the Emirates Stadium is a notoriously challenging hunting ground for Tottenham, having failed to win there in the top flight since 2011, Frank could actually be relieved this clash will be played out on enemy turf.

Frank’s side have lost three Premier League matches on home soil already this season, and their record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the last 12 months has been abysmal with just four victories to show from 20 home league games.

They haven’t won at home at all in the league since their 3-1 win over newly-promoted Burnley on the opening weekend, leaving them second bottom of the home form table but sitting pretty atop of the away form standings (Footy Stats).

Tottenham will be handed some encouragement by Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal just prior to the international break, but it is safe to say they’re up against it on Sunday, with there still being plenty of work to do on Frank’s squad as the Lewis family look to usher in a post-Daniel Levy era.

According to reports, Spurs are in the market for another winger this winter after missing out on Savinho in the summer, with Ademola Lookman believed to be on their radar as one potential signing.

Frank facing 'big blow' at Tottenham after news on Ademola Lookman

The Atalanta winger appeared to be exit bound last summer and even submitted a transfer request, but an exit failed to materialise. Tottenham were repeatedly linked with the Nigerian at the end of the last window, and those links have remained ahead of January.

Lookman bagged 20 goals in all competitions last season and took home 2024’s African Player of the Year award following his stunning performance in the Europa League final that year, which both won Atalanta the tournament and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run.

The 28-year-old, who is also out of contract in under two years, would undoubtedly be a superb signing for Spurs and one who can play in many different attacking positions, including as a striker.

However, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider, Frank faces a ‘big blow’ in his pursuit of Lookman, as it is now believed that new Atalanta boss Raffaele Palladino could now convince the player to remain in Italy.

Also, if Spurs were to lodge a bid for Lookman in January, Atalanta would demand a minimum of £50 million to consider selling, despite the player’s contract length.

All of this makes the prospect of a winter transfer to N17 looking more and more difficult for the ‘world-class’ forward, but there are alternatives.

Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is apparently tempted by the prospect of a move to Tottenham amid Real Sociedad’s dismal start to 25/26, and he has a release clause in his contract, which means Spurs could bypass club talks and go directly to the player.

Despite some negative noise regarding attacking regressions, Tottenham Hotspur have made headway under Thomas Frank’s management, fifth in the Premier League and in a promising position in the Champions League group stage.

But Spurs could certainly do with a bit more fluency and impetus when on the charge, and such creases must be ironed out over the coming months to make this a season to remember.

It was always going to be difficult, selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023, and Ange Postecoglou deserves credit for establishing an attractive, entertaining playing style (when things were going his way).

But it’s true that some members of the squad aren’t quite pulling their weight. That said, Tottenham do have some top talents who have the capacity to secure the club’s place at Europe’s elite table and lead Frank toward trophy-winning success.

Mohammed Kudus being chief among them.

Kudus' start to life at Spurs

There was an air of controversy about Kudus’ summer transfer to Tottenham. After all, the Ghanaian winger had plied his trade down the road at West Ham United for the past couple of years, and the sale has left the Irons fanbase feeling hot under the collar.

But West Ham’s loss is Tottenham’s gain, with the 25-year-old having registered five assists in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.

His pace and potency have seen him add a dimension to Frank’s outfit that Tottenham simply didn’t boast last term, and in this, he is offering shades of Kane, taking on the responsibility of leading the club forward, bringing a unique flavour to the table.

Kudus is indeed emerging as Tottenham’s new principal source of attacking inspiration, but there’s actually another member of Frank’s squad who’s looking somewhat Kane-esque.

Spurs' new version of Kane

We’re not talking about one of the Tottenham forwards here. Instead, it’s Micky van de Ven whose growth into a talismanic role down N17 is leaving him in line to take Kane’s leadership berth, belatedly.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation since joining from Wolfsburg for around £43m in 2023, with injuries his biggest weakness. So strong and fast and commanding, with journalist Sonny Snelling even labelling him as “world-class”.

It was the 6 foot 4 star’s injury that derailed the Ange hype train a few years ago, sending that project into a spin. Then, last season, hamstring injuries reigned supreme over the defender’s hopes of availability. He started only 12 Premier League fixtures all season, eight of which came across Spurs’ first nine fixtures of the campaign.

While Cristian Romero is Tottenham’s captain, Van de Ven is the perfect counterpoint and every bit as impressive. It’s perhaps important to remember that, like Kane, Van de Ven is not the skipper, with the Three Lions striker behind Hugo Lloris in that regard.

Of course, Kane and Micky van de Ven are hardly similar players. They are so different across physical and tactical bases as to be diametrically opposed.

But Van de Ven offers so much more than his central defensive role demands, and in this, he shares a likeness with Kane, whose range of passing and ability to drop deep and influence make him a very unique number nine, and with 23 goals from 17 games for Bayern this season, he’s still rather good at his primary job.

Tottenham have struggled to replace Kane since selling him to Bayern, but that’s more because of the 32-year-old’s remarkable, unique qualities. When he left, the Lilywhites didn’t only lose their record goalscorer, but their shrewdest playmaker and source of inspiration across so many years.

But his pace. Such speed. It’s astonishing, in many ways, and hard to define. In the Premier League this season, furthermore, Van de Ven has completed 92% of his passes and come out on top in 63% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

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

It tells much of the Dutchman’s athleticism that he is first, fourth, and fifth on the all-time speed rankings (beginning 2020/21), and is a further illustration of the above-and-beyond approach he brings to his centre-half role.

As per FBref, he also ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, emphasising an attacking threat that has been on full show this season, six goals from 16 matches in all competitions.

This is a top-class player, and one whose special skills will inevitably see a wave of interest in his signature before long, Europe’s heavyweights squabbling over his signature.

It is perhaps a given that Van de Ven will eventually move on. The lure of Real Madrid and Barcelona, outfits bound to have earmarked the Netherlands international among a list of loose long-term targets, may ultimately prove too much for him to ignore.

This could see him shape into the next version of Kane in more ways than one. But, whatever happens down the line, Van de Ven is a unique player who Tottenham must keep a grip on for as long as they can, for he will spearhead the Frank era toward a surface only scratched when Postecoglou defied the odds and lifted the Europa League title last season, Van de Ven playing that final and thriving.

Spurs have signed a "hidden gem" who's a bigger talent than Troy Parrott

Tottenham need to do more in the final third under Thomas Frank’s management.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025