Mikel Arteta has hailed “magical” Leandro Trossard as a “massive weapon” for Arsenal after he fired his side to the top of the Premier League.

Trossard, on £90,000-a-week, bundled home Bukayo Saka’s 58th minute corner at Fulham in a 1-0 win for the Gunners which ensures they will end the latest round of fixtures at the league summit.

Trossard scored just eight times in the league last term and, following Arsenal’s summer spending spree with eight new players arriving at the Emirates, the Belgium international might have feared for his place in Arteta’s side.

However, the 30-year-old, who found game time hard to come by earlier in the season, has now started all of Arsenal’s last five matches, both in the league, and in Europe.

Arteta hails Trossard as Arsenal's "weapon"

Arsenal’s win at Fulham marked the first of seven fixtures in 21 days for Arteta’s men with a Champions League home clash against Atletico Madrid to come on Tuesday.

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The north London team will be looking to build on a strong opening to their European campaign with successive 2-0 victories against Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos.

The run of matches is set to test the depth of Arsenal’s new-look squad with captain Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz already absent through injury.

But Arteta continued: “We know the schedule and the load is what it is, and the games now and the context demands a bigger squad.

“All the top teams are in the same boat, and we’re going to have to manage that really well, to look after them, and especially to get the best out of them.”

Certain pundits and fanbases might be trying to hold their set-piece dominance against them, but it’s currently an excellent time to be an Arsenal fan.

Mikel Arteta’s side are undefeated in the Champions League, flying high at the top of the Premier League, and look like the best defensive side in world football.

Yet, the Gunners cannot rest on their laurels as their next opponent is the always dangerous Brighton & Hove Albion in the Fourth Round of the League Cup.

With that said, Arteta will need to make some changes to his team for the game, including dropping the talismanic Bukayo Saka.

Why Arteta should drop Saka

Now, there is undoubtedly an argument to be made that Arteta should keep Saka in the team for Wednesday’s game in a bid to help him build up more match fitness and momentum.

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However, such an argument loses a lot of weight when you consider that the Gunners’ next three games are against Burnley, Slavia Prague and Sunderland.

In other words, while those won’t be easy matches, they should be that bit more straightforward than a clash with the Seagulls and, in turn, even better opportunities for the 24-year-old to find some rhythm.

Moreover, and this interlinks with the main reason the manager should be dropping the Hale Ender: they are far more important games.

Following the last three years of almost getting there, it is far more important for Arsenal to win the Premier League or the Champions League; therefore, they need to play their best players in those competitions, not risk injury in lesser competitions.

25/26

26 days

6

24/25

122 days

25

23/24

36 days

10

21/22

6 days

1

20/21

13 days

2

19/20

13 days

0

Were this a couple of years ago, then perhaps it would be fine to play the Hale Ender in all four games.

Still, after he missed almost four months of action with a hamstring problem last season, and has already missed a month of action this year with another, it would be unwise to do so today.

Furthermore, with Noni Madueke and now Gabriel Martinelli out of action, risking the Ealing-born gem feels like it would be even more foolish than usual.

Finally, Arteta can happily rest Saka for the game against Brighton because, even with the other injuries, there is one player who could step in.

The Arsenal player Arteta must start over Saka

With Madueke and Martinelli out, the player who should and probably will come in for Saka against Brighton is Ethan Nwaneri.

The Hale End gem might be seen more as a central player in the long term, but last year proved he is more than capable of filling in for Saka on the right.

For example, in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes, the “phenomenal” game-changer, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, managed to score nine goals and provide two assists.

That works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes, which is a rate of return many seasoned professionals can’t even match.

Moreover, the manager knows he can deal with the Seagulls, as the Enfield-born gem scored a brilliant goal at the Amex in the league last season.

Additionally, it’s not like he was just lucky last season, as the 18-year-old’s underlying numbers were just as impressive as his output.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league last season for successful take-ons, the top 6% for take-ons attempted and carrying distance, the top 8% for crosses, the top 9% for non-penalty goals and more, all per 90.

Goals – xG

+0.28

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.28

Top 1%

Successful Take-Ons

3.72

Top 2%

Successful Take-On %

59.7%

Top 2%

Take-Ons Attempted

6.23

Top 6%

Total Carrying Distance

286.79

Top 6%

Crosses

5.43

Top 8%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.40

Top 9%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.60

Top 9%

Touches (Att 3rd)

34.09

Top 9%

Progressive Passes Rec

11.36

Top 11%

Progressive Carrying Distance

133.64

Top 11%

Goals

0.40

Top 12%

Goals/Shot

0.17

Top 12%

Goals/Shot on Target

0.44

Top 12%

Passes Completed (Short)

21.72

Top 12%

Carries

36.70

Top 12%

Finally, regardless of the rest of the team, the manager should be looking to start the teenager in this game, as he needs more minutes to keep him content with his squad role at present.

Ultimately, Arteta should drop Saka for the game against Brighton and start the incredibly exciting Nwaneri in his place.

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عاد مستقبل رودريجو أحد أهم لاعبي ريال مدريد لإثارة الجدل في النادي بعد صيف حافل امتلئ بالتكهنات حول رحيله من صفوف النادي ولم تكتب لها النجاح.

ورغم اختيار رودريجو البقاء في ريال مدريد للدفاع عن مركزه في فريق تشابي ألونسو إلا أن صاحب ال24 عاماً قد عانى من صعوبات في إثبات جدارته حيث فشل في ترك بصمة واضحة حتى بعد عودته لمركزه المفضل على الجهة اليسرى.

وقد عادت الشائعات حول رحيل رودريجو نجم ريال مدريد، مع اقتراب سوق الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة.

وقد ترددت تكهنات صحفية أن تشيلسي يسعى لضم رودريجو، ومع ذلك فقد نفى صحفي سكاي سبورت “فابريزيو رومانو” حقيقة هذه التكهنات وأن البلوز لا يسعى لضم اللاعب البرازيلي في الوقت الحالي.

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ولا يتواصل تشيلسي مع رودريجو أو ريال مدريد بشأن مناقشة فكرة الحصول على خدمات اللاعب وليس لديهم أي خطط للتحرك أيضاً لكي يرتدي البرازيلي قميص البلوز.

ولا يزال بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي معجب بالبرازيلي رودريجو لكن لم يتم إعادة النظر بعد في اهتمامهم بالحصول على خدماته حتى الآن.

بينما قد تم نفي حقيقة الشائعات حول اهتمام توتنهام هوتسبر بضم رودريجو، وأن كل ما أثير عن ذلك عاري من الصحة ويعود السبب الرئيسي لراتب البرازيلي المرتفع ومع ذلك قد يرحل في يناير.

ولعب رودريجو 13 مباراة في جميع المسابقات مع ريال مدريد، ومنهم 3 مباريات بشكل أساسي ولم يسجل أي هدف وصنع هدفين، ويمتلك عقد حتى عام 2028.

Liverpool have lost three games in a row. It’s a marker of how high Anfield has risen over the past decades that this has been met with hysteria across England and dejection across the red halves of Merseyside streets.

By one point Liverpool trail Premier League pace-setters Arsenal, who have already been defeated by Arne Slot’s side this term. Liverpool have broken records with their spending across the summer transfer window, and they won the top-flight title at a canter last year.

But we can’t ignore the tactical imbalances and issues in bedding new players in. Teething problems have lingered far longer than anyone would have anticipated.

Many games have been entertaining, but Liverpool have lost the control and confidence they oozed throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Will Slot rekindle that flame? So many late goals across the past two months, flying both directions, is evidence that improvements are needed.

Defensively and in midfield, Slot’s side have left plenty to be desired. But they are also being let down up top, with the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah’s struggles telling of the need for a new right-sided forward.

Why Liverpool need to sign a Salah heir

Salah has entered his ninth campaign as a Liverpool player, but he has been part of the problem engulfing Slot’s side so far, scoring three goals and supplying three assists across all competitions but drifting through games and lacking even a small measure of his trademark vim and vigour.

Salah has seldom gone through dry spells in front of goal in the Premier League, but his last-minute penalty at Burnley is his only strike since the opening day win over Bournemouth.

Still, he’s one of the greatest forwards in the competition’s history, and the veteran will retain full confidence in his ability to return to form. He practically led Liverpool to the title last year, after all.

Alan Shearer

441

260

Harry Kane

320

213

Wayne Rooney

491

208

Mohamed Salah

308

188

Andy Cole

414

187

It’s painful to consider, but there is also the possibility that Liverpool have extended Salah’s contract by two years so that they can receive a payment from suitors in 2026. There’s a sizeable chance Saudi Arabian outfits will return for the Egyptian King at the end of the season, tempting him with a glinting late-career pay packet.

Should Salah leave, Liverpool will need a high-level replacement, and the English giants appear to have focused their sights on Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.

Well, if Spanish sources are correct, Liverpool have been informed by Bayern Munich that a bid worth €150m (£131m) could be enough to sign the 23-year-old next year. The Anfield side would rather pay closer to €100m (£86m) for Olise’s signature.

Olise was widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League when at Selhurst Park, and he has only improved since moving to the Bundesliga.

Though Bayern are looking to bank a pretty penny for the France international’s sale, FSG and Reds sporting director Richard Hughes has shown they are willing to break the bank for the right signing.

What Michael Olise would bring to Liverpool

Olise, crucially, is a proven Premier League star. He left Crystal Palace and signed for Bayern Munich during the summer of 2024 for about £50m, and that looks a real coup for the German giants.

Pundit Micah Richard remarked while Olise was an Eagle that he “is going to be a superstar”. Richards was right. Awe and adoration in south London has been transported and developed over in Germany, with Olise having hit 54 goal involvements from 65 matches with Die Roten, including five goals and six assists from just ten fixtures in 2025/26.

He doesn’t boast the same devastating goalscoring ability as Salah, but Liverpool’s summer investments in Isak and Hugo Ekitike tell of a goalscoring shift back to the centre. In other words, this is the perfect profile to replace the ageing winger at Liverpool, whose underlying metrics are not at the same level as Olise.

Goals scored

0.65

0.39

Assists

0.43

0.50

Shots taken

2.98

3.47

Shot-creating actions

3.85

6.56

Touches (att pen)

8.43

6.32

Pass completion (%)

70.2

80.7

Progressive passes

3.80

7.50

Progressive carries

4.00

5.02

Successful take-ons

1.15

2.48

Ball recoveries

3.00

3.81

Salah has not been at the races this season, but scaling it back across 12 months, the depth of Olise’s top form in Germany is emphasised.

Across all competitions, Liverpool’s star forward scored 34 goals and assisted 23 more, after all.

Olise hasn’t cracked the same clinical heights, but he is “one of the best talents in the world”, in the eyes of Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who helped take the ace’s game to the next level.

With Salah having completed only 13% of his dribbles in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore, averaging a measly 0.9 successful ground duels per match too, there’s been little to write home about, and Slot’s hesitance to deploy Federico Chiesa or Jeremie Frimpong on the right during Liverpool’s big matches makes a telling comment on his thoughts about a big-money signing in the shape of Olise.

Might it be that Liverpool part with their club legend at the end of the season? The news that Hughes is already sounding out a move for an elite talent such as Olise highlights the desire to sign such a player.

And given that he knows the Premier League well, with 36 direct contributions in the competition, the young and ever-improving Olise may well be the perfect addition to ease the fateful day when Salah hangs up his Liverpool boots.

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Freya Kemp proved Hampshire Hawks’ last-over hero to edge a nail-biter against winless Somerset in the Women’s Vitality Blast.Rhianna Southby’s 57 and Ellyse Perry’s 40 had given Hampshire the advantage in chasing 154, but accurate bowling had seen them fall behind the rate.With 11 runs needed off the last over, Kemp pumped a six down the ground before knocking off the remaining runs to give Hawks just their second win in the last seven matches to give them renewed hope of qualifying for finals day.Fran Wilson had given Somerset a defendable total with 55 but it wasn’t enough for the bottom-placed side.Somerset chose to bat first under grey skies, and found a consistent tempo to build partnerships and accumulate runs. Bex Odgers set up the innings with a quickfire 18 filled with cuts to the boundary before Wilson took over to provide the backbone of the innings.Former England batter Wilson had only scored 103 runs in her previous seven innings but a delicious straight drive got her moving. Wilson isn’t known for her power-hitting, with her touch-play a defining part of her international career. That was also the case on this occasion, with deft ramps and paddles helping her reach a 30-ball fifty.She had seen Niamh Holland, Sophie Luff, and Jess Hazell come and go – the former two to the impeccable Bex Tyson – before Amanda-Jade Wellington entered to kick-on in the last six overs.Wilson was run out after a mix-up and a direct hit from extra cover, and while Wellington tried to put off the bowlers with her moving around the crease and funky stances outside off stump, boundaries were hard to find at the death.Somerset managed to find 43 runs off the last five overs, mainly through hard running, with only three boundaries off the bat in that time. Freya Davies capitalised on the last over bat flailing by picking up the wickets of Wellington and Alex Griffiths, and with the earlier wicket of Odgers, returned 3 for 38.Somerset’s 153 felt below par and when Australian superstar Perry got the Hawks off to a flier around short rain delays it appeared to confirm it. Perry, on her home debut, used her immense quality to power the ball to the boundary seven times but met her downfall attempting to scoop Erin Vukusic and was pinned lbw for 40. It was the Croatian’s first Blast wicket.Her opening partner Southby struggled with timing but slowly managed to accumulate and with Kemp found their way to around the required rate with a 68-run stand. But Somerset’s tight bowling, especially from Vukusic and Griffiths gave Hawks 27 to chase in the last three overs.Kemp was dropped on the boundary edge for four, but when Southby was bowled for 57 with 16 still needed in 11 balls, the result was in the balance. But Kemp smashed the second ball of the last over, bowled by Griffiths, over long on before two twos got them over the line with two balls to spare.

AC Milan duo Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot have recovered from their respective injuries but are expected to be rested for Sunday’s clash against Roma as a precautionary measure. The club’s medical team and coach Massimiliano Allegri are keen to ensure both players regain full match fitness before returning to action, with their comeback likely to take place in next week’s fixture against Parma instead.

• Pulisic and Rabiot get new return date

  According to , Milan have also reached an agreement with the United States national team and coach Mauricio Pochettino to exclude Pulisic from the national team’s two friendlies during the November international break. Similarly, the club are in talks with France coach Didier Deschamps to ensure Rabiot is not called up for France’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

  The Milan duo of Pulisic and Rabiot have completed their respective recovery programme but will not feature in the upcoming clash against Roma, with the club opting to rest them as a precautionary measure to prevent any recurrence of injury. Both players are expected to be named on the bench when the Rossoneri travel to face Parma on November 8, as the additional week of preparation is seen as crucial for building match fitness and avoiding rebound injuries.

  Pulisic sustained a hamstring injury during the USMNT’s friendly against Australia last month, a decision that reportedly angered Milan officials, as Pochettino fielded the winger despite concerns over a minor knock. Meanwhile, Rabiot suffered a soleus muscle tear in his left calf while representing France in their qualifier against Azerbaijan.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  AC Milan eager to have star duo back

  Pulisic and Rabiot have been instrumental in Milan’s impressive rise to the top of the Serie A table this season, becoming vital components in Allegri’s tactical setup. Deployed as a second striker alongside Santiago Gimenez, Pulisic has flourished in a freer attacking role. His pace, creativity, and intelligent movement between the lines have been essential in unlocking compact defences, while his improved decision making in the final third has resulted in decisive goals and assists. His standout display against defending champions Napoli, where he scored and assisted, showcased his growing influence and helped propel Milan to the top of the league. Before sustaining his hamstring injury, the USMNT forward was joint top scorer in Serie A with four goals, underlining his growing importance to the Rossoneri attack.

  Rabiot, meanwhile, has brought balance and stability to Milan’s midfield since his arrival from Marseille on deadline day following a dressing room altercation with Jonathan Rowe. The French midfielder has perfectly embodied Allegri’s philosophy of tactical discipline, combining technical quality with defensive awareness. Playing as a box to box midfielder, Rabiot has been crucial in connecting defence and attack. He drives the ball forward confidently while keeping the team organised and balanced. His calmness on the ball and control of the game’s tempo have helped Milan handle tough matches. 

• Milan endure slump in form

  Pulisic’s and Rabiot’s absence has taken a toll on Milan, with the team struggling to maintain consistency in recent matches. Since the international break, Milan have managed just one win in their last three outings, underlining how vital both players are to Allegri’s system. After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, Milan were held to a 2-2 draw and followed it up with a 1-1 stalemate against Atalanta on Wednesday.

  Coach Allegri was quick to tone down growing expectations, dismissing talk of a Scudetto challenge. He stressed that Milan’s main goal this season is to secure a top-four finish rather than target the league title. Allegri outlined clear objectives, explaining that Milan should aim for around 76 points while conceding no more than 20 to 25 goals if they are to meet their target. 

  However, Milan fans will take comfort in the news that Switzerland midfielder Ardon Jashari has fully recovered from injury and is expected to be named on the bench for the upcoming clash against Parma.

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  Rossoneri take on Roma next

  Milan and coach Allegri will aim to get the job done without Rabiot and Pulisic when Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma visit the San Siro for a top-of-the-table clash. The match promises to be a major test for Milan’s depth and resilience as they look to maintain their position at the summit and extend their lead over their closest challengers.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have distanced themselves from disturbances which led to the cancellation of the derby match against Hapoel before kick-off on Sunday, ahead of their trip to Aston Villa in November.

Maccabi’s fans have been barred from attending the Europa League match away to Villa next month amid safety concerns, a decision which was heavily criticised last week by a number of politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

A No 10 Downing Street spokesman said on Friday that discussions were happening “at pace, across government” to overturn the ban.

On Sunday the Tel Aviv derby was called off before kick-off, with reports of smoke grenades and flares being thrown, but Maccabi insist their supporters did nothing to contribute to the game’s cancellation.

Maccabi Tel Aviv send statement after riots cancel local derby

A club spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Maccabi Tel Aviv FC would like to clarify that the reason given for the cancellation of the derby match hosted yesterday by Hapoel Tel Aviv FC – unlike as reported by some (foreign) media – was as a result of flares thrown on to the pitch by fans of our opponent Hapoel Tel Aviv, not visiting fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv.”

West Midlands Police said last week they supported a decision by the local Safety Advisory Group to bar visiting fans from the Europa League tie against Villa, having classified the fixture as “high risk”.

They said the decision was “based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Amsterdam”.

The match at Villa Park takes place against the backdrop of ongoing tension in the Middle East.

The Fare network, which reports incidents of discrimination to UEFA from national team and European competition matches, told PA it was “reluctant to question” the decision to bar Maccabi fans and added that Maccabi fans were “well known for their racism”.

PA understands Fare has made multiple reports of discriminatory behaviour by Maccabi fans inside stadia within the last 10 years.

Maccabi are aware of Fare’s comments but have not yet commented on them or on the decision of the authorities in Birmingham to bar their supporters.

Hapoel issued a statement on their website regarding Sunday’s derby cancellation, criticising the police for “preparing for a war and not a sporting event”.

“The shocking events outside the stadium and the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the game only show that the Israeli police have taken control of the industry,” Hapoel said.

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“When we asked for explanations in real time, we were met with a contemptuous and humiliating attitude.

“Needless to say, the club’s management condemns all manifestations of violence – and will fight lawbreakers, even if they are wearing uniforms.”

Media reports in Israel said Tel Aviv police arrested five people on suspicion of disturbing public order and that 51 flares or smoke bombs had been thrown on to the pitch.

Inter Miami will be without Luis Suarez for Saturday’s decisive Game 3 against Nashville SC after MLS denied the striker’s suspension appeal. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the decision on Friday, noting Suarez had sought to overturn the one-match ban ahead of the series finale, with a semifinal berth on the line.

Getty Images Sport'We were told the club couldn’t do it'

The suspension MLS handed to Luis Suárez, a one-match ban, followed after he kicked Honduran player Andy Najar. Mascherano revealed the league was quick in denying the striker's appeal. 

“The player appealed the sanction because in this case, we were told the club couldn’t do it," Mascherano said. "He appealed using the club’s resources, but within a few hours, the request was denied.”

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'There will be a war'

Inter Miami will now aim to advance without their leading striker, and defender Maximiliano Falcón stated that tomorrow’s match will be more than just a game for the rest of the team. 

 “We know it’s going to be a heated game, where there will be a war," he said. "We’ll try to implement our style, but also fight and win every duel because games are also decided there.”

Getty Images SportTraining updates

In Friday’s session – the team’s last before facing Nashville SC – Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul trained alongside their teammates, so their availability for tomorrow is not in doubt. Suárez also trained with the group, despite being unavailable to play. David Ruiz continued working separately and is unlikely to feature tomorrow. Allen Obando is available and could be an option off the bench.

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The winner between Inter Miami and Nashville will face the victor of Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Tottenham Hotspur moved up to third in the Premier League table on Sunday night when they travelled to the Hill Dickinson stadium to beat Everton 3-0.

The Lilywhites were not in total control, as they needed Guglielmo Vicario to make two incredibly impressive stops, but they did end the night with a comfortable scoreline.

Micky van de Ven’s first-half performance provided Spurs with a platform to go on and win the match, as he scored two goals to take his tally for the season to five.

Why Micky van de Ven has drawn comparisons to Jan Vertonghen

It feels inevitable that a left-footed centre-back will be compared to Jan Vertonghen at Spurs, particularly when the Belgian star scored five goals from centre-back in his first Premier League season in North London in the 2012/13 campaign, per Sofascore.

Vertonghen scored 14 goals in 314 appearances for Tottenham, per Transfermarkt, so it is easy to understand why some supporters have made the comparison, particularly when van de Ven once revealed that he “learned from” the Belgium international when watching him as a kid.

It was the former Spurs titan’s defensive work that made him a standout star, though, as he earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions, without scoring a single league goal in the second inclusion.

That is why Tottenham supporters should be looking to another player to compare to Vertonghen, as Kevin Danso’s defensive efforts against Everton were more Vertonghen-esque than van de Ven’s.

Spurs have unearthed their new Jan Vertonghen

Van de Ven may have scored two goals and impressed at the top end of the pitch, but it was Danso who was the shining light defensively for Thomas Frank against the Toffees.

The Austria international, as shown in the post above, made the most clearances in a game for the club since Vertonghen made 21 just shy of nine years ago.

It was an incredibly impressive outing from the former Southampton man against Everton, as he was consistently in the right place at the right time to make vital defensive interventions to prevent Vicario from being worked even more than he was.

Vs Everton

Kevin Danso

Micky van de Ven

Minutes

90

90

Tackles won

1/1

0/0

Clearances

18

7

Blocked shots

2

0

Ball recoveries

3

2

Ground duels won

2/2

1/2

Aerial duels won

4/4

1/4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Danso offered far more to the team defensively than van de Ven did, with 11 more clearances, two more blocks, and a higher success rate in his duels on the ground and in the air.

These statistics show that the 27-year-old colossus, who was described as “quick” and “aggressive” by Jamie Redknapp, was the defensive cornerstone for the Lilywhites, and carried the Dutchman to a degree.

The £20m signing from Lens may not be a left-footed centre-back, or a huge goal threat, but he has shown that he has the impressive defensive instincts and qualities to be a Vertonghen-esque figure at the back for Frank.

If he can continue to put in performances like the one he showed against Everton, Cristian Romero may have a job on his hands to find a way of getting back into the starting line-up, as Danso currently looks undroppable.

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Frank appears to have unearthed his own Vertonghen in the defensive monster, who has won 100% of his ground duels in the Premier League this season, and long may it continue as Spurs look to climb up the table.

Ubaid Shah, the brother of Pakistan international Naseem, and left-arm wristspinner Faisal Akram were also picked in the 18-member squad

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jul-2025Saud Shakeel will lead Pakistan Shaheens who will tour England for two three-day and three 50-over games from July 17 to August 6. Apart from Shakeel, who has played 19 Tests, the squad includes three capped players: Mir Hamza, Musa Khan and Sajid Khan.Azan Awais and Maaz Sadaqat, who were the top-two run-getters in the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) trophy, were rewarded for their domestic form with call-ups to the Shaheens side.Musabir Khan, a prominent offspin-bowling allrounder in the QeA trophy, and Faisal Akram, a left-arm wristspinner, who has played for Pakistan Under-19s and Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), were also included in the 18-member squad. Musabir, 23, has played a solitary T20I for Pakistan, in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.Sajid and left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz strengthen the spin attack. Ubaid Shah, the brother of international Naseem Shah, was part of the pace attack alongside Mushtaq Ahmed and Shahid Aziz.The squad will take part in a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi before departing for England on July 16.Pakistan Shaheens squadSaud Shakeel (capt), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain and Ubaid ShahSupport staffImran Farhat (head coach), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach)