Pep Guardiola's side have up to £82m to splash on a replacement for the Argentine after making a stunning return on their investment

Manchester City thought that they might have to replace Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva or Ederson this summer. But in the end, Pep Guardiola's most-trusted players all look set to stay.

Instead, the Cityzens' most high-profile departure looks like being Julian Alvarez. City sold El Arana (The Spider) to Atletico Madrid for £82 million ($105m) in a stunning piece of business, making more than five-times the amount they invested on bringing the Argentine to the Etihad Stadium two years previously.

Alvarez was a selfless stand-in for Erling Haaland for two seasons and also carried the baton in De Bruyne's absence, but ultimately he wanted as big a role for his club as he has for his national team and has now got it.

Atletico made City an offer they couldn't refuse and the money-spinning sale gives the champions the opportunity to heavily reinvest in their squad. But how should they replace the serial-winner who scored 36 goals and contributed 18 assists while helping them scoop up six trophies?

(C)Getty ImagesAlexander Isak

The gangly Swedish striker became Newcastle's record signing when he switched from Real Sociedad to Tyneside for £63m ($80m) in the summer of 2022. But he could have joined City, as Pep Guardiola later revealed he was on the club's radar while still in Spain.

Isak has kept getting better, scoring 35 goals in all competitions with Newcastle, leaving Guardiola in awe. "We started to follow him at Real Sociedad. We were impressed. He was a target," the Catalan revealed last season.

"Wow. He is a young player but with these skills. All the clubs around the world take a look. It is not a surprise and he's adapted really well here in the Premier League."

Isak, 25, would make a perfect replacement for Alvarez, and although he would cost a lot, he would be a formidable stand-in for Haaland and could even play alongside him.

AdvertisementGetty Lois Openda

City are well aware of Openda's capabilities as a striker after he scored three times against them in the Champions League last season. The goals were no fluke, as the 24-year-old struck 28 times in all competitions, finishing as the third-top scorer in the Bundesliga.

Openda became RB Leipzig's record signing when he joined from Lens for €45m (£38m/$49m) and they would be reluctant to let him go. However, the Germans have long been a selling club and would surely part with him if City could offer them a tidy profit, funded by the Alvarez cash.

Getty ImagesFlorian Wirtz

Wirtz is more of a No.10 than a centre-forward, but Alvarez often had to perform as a second striker for City so his replacement should also be able to play in both roles.

Wirtz was the standout performer for Xabi Alonso's incredible Bayer Leverkusen side last season, scoring 15 times and setting up another 15 goals for his team-mates. He is valued at more than £100m, which would make him City's record signing, but he could be more than worth it as a replacement not just for Alvarez, but also for De Bruyne, who looks set for his final season with the Cityzens.

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GettyVictor Osimhen

The Nigerian striker was the fifth-leading scorer in Europe when he fired Napoli to the Serie A title in 2022-23, but his relationship with the club has since soured and for some time he has been looking for a way out. Napoli were holding out for a huge transfer fee, but have since dropped their asking price to €100m (£85m/$110m), which is now within City's reach after the Alvarez deal.

Osimhen, 25, would want to be the main man at his next club, which could be an obstacle to him joining City, where Haaland is very much first-choice. But he would also be practically guaranteed silverware at the Etihad Stadium and City could not ask for a better back-up in the event the Norwegian got injured.

كشف إمام عاشور، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، عن كواليس انضمامه إلى صفوف القلعة الحمراء، في الموسم الماضي.

وقال إمام عاشور، في تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “عندما كنت مع نادي الزمالك، جاءني أكثر من عرض أوروبي، وأبرزها من إسبانيا. لم أكن أعلم أي شيء عن عرض ميتلاند، وعرفت عنه فجأة. جددت عقدي مع الزمالك ولم أكن أنوي مغادرة النادي، لكن لا أعرف ما الذي حدث بعد ذلك بعد مباراة فيوتشر والزمالك في الدوري، وفي آخر يوم من فترة القيد، اتصل بي أحد الأشخاص من النادي (دون ذكر أسماء) في منتصف الليل، وأخبرني بأنني سأنتقل إلى فريق ميتلاند. لم أكن أعرف أي شيء عن ذلك، وعندما ذهبت إلى نادي الزمالك وجدت عقود احترافي جاهزة، ووقعت عليها دون معرفة أي تفاصيل”.

واستطرد: “كنت حزينًا جدًا من طريقة انتقالي لفريق ميتلاند، لكن الحمد لله، ربنا عوضني بالانضمام لأفضل نادٍ في أفريقيا. أي لاعب يتمنى أن يلعب في النادي الأهلي”.

وأَضاف: ” في ميتلاند لم أكن قادرًا على التأقلم في الدنمارك بسبب اللغة، ثم جاءت الإصابة في قدمي وقررت العودة، وتحدثت مع وكيل أعمالي، وأبلغت المسؤولين في ميتلاند برغبتي في العلاج في مصر”.

طالع..خاص | الأهلي يمدد عقد لاعبه موسمين

وتابع: “بعد قرار عودتي إلى مصر، أخبرني أحمد يحيى أن أمير توفيق يريد الاطمئنان علي وتحدثت مع المسؤولين في نادي الزمالك وأبلغتهم أنني أريد العودة إلى النادي ولن أستكمل مشواري الاحترافي، ولو لم أكن أرغب في العودة للزمالك لما أبلغتهم”.

وأكمل: “بقيت في النادي لمدة شهر ونصف، ولم يتحدث معي أحد خلال هذه الفترة، وكان الأهلي خارج الصورة تمامًا وأحد المسؤولين في الزمالك قال لي ادفع الـ2 مليون دولار قيمة شرائي من نادي ميتلاند، كما أنني تحدثت مع أحد اللاعبين في الزمالك وأخبرته برغبتي في العودة، وقلت له إنه لا يوجد أحد تحدث معي”.

وواصل: “لا يوجد شخص يرفض الأهلي إذا جاء إليه، عندما لم أجد التقدير من الزمالك وتحدث معي أمير توفيق، أغلقت موضوع الزمالك، وقلت لأمير إن اللعب للأهلي شرف لي”.

وأضاف: “كنت مندهشًا عندما تواصل معي أمير توفيق، وأؤكد أن الأهلي لم يتواصل معي قبل سفري للدنمارك”.

واستمر: “المفاوضات مع الأهلي لم تكن صعبة منذ أن تحدث معي أمير، قلت له إنه شرف لي ارتداء قميص الأهلي، والله لم أنظر إلى أي شيء آخر، فأنا معروف بعدم قبولي للخسارة وأحب البطولات، عندما يأتي لك النادي الأهلي، ماذا يمكنك أن تقول؟ والله لم أنظر إلى العقود أو الأموال، وحتى الآن لا أعرف كم أتقاضى”.

واستكمل: “اللعب في الأهلي فرصة لا يمكن إضاعتها، لم ألتقِ بمحمود الخطيب إلا ثلاث أو أربع مرات، أول مرة التقيت به كان في معسكر النمسا، ومهما تحدثت عنه، لن أستطيع إعطاءه حقه، لا يوجد أحد لا يحب الخطيب، وعندما تعاملت معه أحببته أكثر”.

وأردف: “في اللقاء الأول، طلب مني الخطيب أن أركز في الملعب وألا أشغل بالي بأي شيء آخر، وأن أحافظ على علاقتي بجماهير الزمالك، شكرته وقلت له إنني سأكون عند حسن ظنه، أما اللقاء الثاني مع الخطيب فكان أثناء مشكلتي الحالية، وكان يقف بجانبي ويدعمني منذ دخولي الأهلي، لم أفعل أي شيء يسيء لجمهور الزمالك أو للنادي”.

وأتم: “لقد أخطأت واعتذرت أكثر من مرة لكل رموز الأهلي عن أي شيء بدر مني قبل انضمامي للنادي، ولم يشعرني مجلس إدارة الأهلي بأي خطأ قد صدر مني، استقبال جمهور الأهلي لي كان رائعًا، ويا بخت من يحبه جمهور الأهلي، كما أنني أحببت جمهور الأهلي وهم بادلوني نفس المحبة”.  

As the summer transfer window approaches, Rangers will be perfectly placed to land some crucial reinforcements if they complete their sensational title comeback to beat Celtic to the Scottish Premiership this season.

Rangers transfer news

Despite their potential position as champions, however, the Gers are set to suffer several exits at the end of the season. As things stand, Rangers are set to lose Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, Leon Balogun, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Jack and Jon McLaughlin in free deals this summer as their contracts come to an end.

Rangers could move on from Wright by swooping for "incredible" 5 ft 11 gem

Rangers appear to be starting to look at potential signings ahead of the summer transfer window.

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 12, 2024

Leaving holes in their squad, Rangers have reportedly turned their attention towards potential replacements for those pending departures, with the likes of Arnaud Bodart linked and permanent deals for Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes potentially on the cards in the coming months. All three deals would be a step in the right direction for Philippe Clement's side, who could be left defending the Scottish crown next season.

One loan deal they are reportedly unlikely to turn permanent this summer is Abdallah Sima's from Brighton & Hove Albion, however, with the winger's price more than what the Gers can likely afford amid interest from the Premier League. Creating the need for a replacement, the Gers have turned their attention elsewhere.

According to Christian Martin via Sport Witness, Rangers have joined the race to sign Jhon Arias from Fluminense, rivalling interest from Atletico Madrid this summer. Ibrox chiefs have reportedly been wowed by the right winger's quick feet and could now look to make him their replacement for Sima in the coming months.

At 26-years-old, there's no better time than the present for Arias to make his move, especially with the calibre of clubs interested. Given competition from Atletico Madrid, securing Champions League football is now even more crucial for Rangers this season if they want to sign Arias in a deal reportedly set to be worth around £14m.

Arias would be an instant upgrade on Wright

If Rangers miss out on Arias, then they are facing the prospect of Scott Wright stepping into Sima's role on a permanent basis next season, which would be a downgrade. Arias, meanwhile, has all the tools necessary to replace the Brighton man, whether it be his end product, pace or ability to handle tight spaces.

So, it's certainly a deal that Rangers should be pursuing this summer as they look to kick off their first full season under Clement with a bang. The last thing those at Ibrox will want is to look back on losing Sima as a turning point in the Belgian's tenure, meaning that replacing him is crucial in the coming months.

Although it may come at the expense of Wright, the Gers must ruthlesssely replace the 26-year-old with the arrival of Arias, who has more than proved his talent during his time in Brazil with Fluminense.

Wolverhampton Wanderers saw yet another Premier League game go by without securing all three points as they drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest.

The only real positive for Gary O’Neil was the return to the starting XI of Matheus Cunha, who was making his first start since February 10th, grabbing two goals in the process.

This could give the Old Gold a boost heading into the final few games, while it looks like the manager is eyeing up a potential partner for the Brazilian next season…

Wolves transfer news

Last season, the Molineux side scored the fewest goals in the Premier League, registering just 31. Although they have improved massively this term, it is clear O’Neil is aiming to add some more attacking prowess to his squad during the summer transfer window.

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Wolves are currently keeping an eye on striker Mohamed Amoura ahead of making a potential swoop when the season comes to an end.

They face some competition from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, however, and if Spurs qualify for the Champions League next season, they will likely be the frontrunners for his signature.

O’Neil may have to move a few players out of the club in the transfer window in order to make a deal happen, especially considering Amoura has a contract at his current side, Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) until 2027.

Adding someone with his talent to the manager's attacking lineup could certainly give the club a major boost, while also being a dream signing for Cunha in the process, who could link up well with the Algerian.

Why Mohamed Amoura would benefit Cunha

Cunha is currently the top scorer at the club this season, netting 13 goals across all competitions. The former Atlético Madrid forward has been deployed as a number ten throughout the campaign to devastating effect and this could see him work well with Amoura.

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

Goals

2

11

Assists

0

6

Key passes per game

0.4

1

Shots on target per game

0.4

1.2

Big chances created

1

7

Not only does Cunha have three assists from this position, but he also created seven big chances, and averaged one key pass per game while succeeding with two dribbles per match, showcasing his selfless nature.

Amoura has been on fire for USG throughout 2023/24, scoring a total of 22 goals across 40 matches, while also showing his selfless side by chipping in with six assists.

It is no wonder that the Algeria international was hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for being “incredibly prolific” just before Christmas.

Among his teammates in the Belgian top flight, the 23-year-old currently ranks second for goals and assists (19), first for shots on target per game (1.4), second for big chances created (six) and fourth for successful dribbles per match (1.2), offering the same sort of qualities as Cunha.

This could allow O’Neil to form a deadly partnership which could help Wolves secure a top-half finish in the Premier League next season.

While a current price for the player is unknown, it looks as though the Old Gold will have to splash out a significant fee, but judging by his statistics this season, Amoura could be well worth it.

If there is one area in which Arsenal have been impressive this season, it is their form in front of goal. They are currently the top goalscorers in the Premier League, with 82 goals, two more than Manchester City.

What makes that number even more impressive is the fact that they have only created 98 big chances, and only missed 52. There have been seven other teams that have missed more big chances than that this season.

The goals have been evenly spread out, too. In all competitions, Arsenal have four players in double figures for goals; Bukayo Saka with 18, Leandro Trossard with 15, Kai Havertz with 12 and Martin Odegaard with 11.

Indeed, the signing of Havertz has been a revelation. Initially, fans were unsure if the £65m that Arsenal spent on the German was justified. With that being said, the former Chelsea man has had a great campaign and recently has settled in up front. He has 11 goal involvements in his last ten Premier League games.

Havertz’s emergence to becoming Arsenal’s first-choice centre-forward is certainly a positive. However, it raises the question of how Mikel Arteta's other option to lead the line could fit in against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday, given his impressive exploits against them last time out.

Gabriel Jesus’ stats vs Tottenham

Last time out in the North London Derby, Arsenal drew 2-2 with Spurs in an enthralling game. Two goals from Son Heung-min cancelled out a Cristian Romero own goal and a penalty by Saka.

One of the best performances that day came from Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus. The former Manchester City man put in a superb showing, running tirelessly all day for his side, and was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet.

Football.London’s Chief Arsenal writer Kaya Kaynak gave Jesus an 8/10 rating for his performance that day, explaining how he was 'Arsenal's biggest threat' in the second half, and praising him for his “superb pressing”.

Indeed, the stats reflect the praise given to Jesus for his exploits against Spurs last time out. As per SofaScore, the 27-year-old won a superb eight-ground duels, bettered only by Saka and Destiny Udogie, and all three of his tackles.

On the ball, Jesus completed three out of the four dribbles he attempted, and registered two shots, including one on target, although the 27-year-old did miss one big chance.

How Jesus could fit in against Spurs

Interestingly, Arsenal’s number nine started on the left wing in the previous North London Derby, rather than as a centre-forward. He acted more as an inside forward, operating in the half-space and driving into the penalty area.

There is a chance that Mikel Arteta could start him in a similar role again this weekend. Considering Gabriel Martinelli's poor form this season, there is a chance Jesus starts out wide against Spurs again.

Martinelli has scored just six goals and has four assists so far in 31 Premier League games this season. In contrast, his fellow Brazilian Jesus has four goals and four assists, although that is in far fewer games, just 24.

Arteta certainly thinks highly of his number nine, as he noted in an interview last September, as published by the Mail Online. When discussing the chaos that Jesus brings to the pitch, Arteta said “in certain areas of the pitch, I love it”, before explaining how beneficial it is that Jesus “creates space for others”.

There is no doubt that the kind of chaos Arteta is discussing here could be useful in a big game such as the North London Derby. Spurs are an energetic side, who like to play out from the back under Ange Postecoglou.

The intense pressing Jesus brings to the Gunners’ side could be a really important weapon against such a team. It remains to be seen whether Arteta will indeed start Jesus, but there is certainly merit to the idea and could provide Arsenal with the difference to get them over the line in a huge game.

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ByTom Lever Apr 27, 2024

In pursuit of 223, RCB folded for 82 to lose by an embarrassing margin of 140 runs

The Retroreport by S Rajesh18-Apr-20209:28

Dada said 158* in IPL opener changed my life forever – McCullum

The opening ceremony was a spectacular affair, but what followed was even more breathtaking, as Brendon McCullum destroyed the home team in the inaugural match of the IPL. In what was a brutal one-man assault on Bangalore Royal Challengers, McCullum blasted an unbeaten 158 from a mere 73 deliveries, the highest score in a Twenty20 match, to propel Kolkata Knight Riders to an imposing 222 for 3. The punch-drunk Royal Challengers were in no condition to fight back after that battering, and collapsed limply to 82 to lose by an embarrassing margin of 140 runs, the fourth-largest defeat in this sort of match.Chris Gayle was expected to be the aggressive opener for Kolkata, but McCullum’s stunning knock ensured Gayle’s absence wasn’t felt at all. In an innings which was reminiscent of Gayle’s blistering knock in the World Twenty20 opener – he had scored 117 from 57 – McCullum gave the Royal Challengers attack no chance. Pace and spin were both treated with equal contempt, and the crowd was treated to an innings of rare explosiveness.The start, though, was deceptive. Six balls into his innings, McCullum didn’t have a single run as Praveen Kumar bowled an excellent first over. Four deliveries later, McCullum had blazed to 18, flicking and pulling Zaheer Khan for four, and then miscuing a flick which, quite incredibly, soared over third man for the first six.Zaheer was quickly pulled out of the attack, but his replacement, Ashley Noffke, fared even worse. His first ball was so wayward that neither McCullum nor Mark Boucher, the wicketkeeper, had a chance of getting to it. When the ball landed within McCullum’s reach, the result was even more devastating: a pulled six over square leg and another over extra cover. Twenty-three in the over, and Noffke out of the attack as well.McCullum allowed himself a breather after that, going 17 deliveries without a boundary, before the floodgates opened again. Sunil Joshi was slog-swept twice – with the bottom hand coming off the bat once – for sixes, before he turned his attention to Cameron White and Jacques Kallis. Line, length, and pace mattered not a jot, as balls disappeared over the ground with ridiculous frequency. When Zaheer returned for another spell, McCullum manufactured the stroke of the evening, going down on one knee and scooping the ball over fine leg for six.Praveen, who bowled superbly in his first three overs, had escaped the McCullum onslaught for most of the evening, but he too suffered in the last over of the innings, as the first two balls vanished over midwicket, before McCullum put the final seal on his innings, depositing the last ball of the innings over long-on. That brought his sixes’ tally to 13, the most in a Twenty20 innings.Shahrukh Khan, the owner of the franchise, had danced through the McCullum innings, and he had even more reason to celebrate as his bowlers then got into the act with equal gusto. Rahul Dravid, under immense pressure facing an asking-rate of more than 11, lasted three balls, losing his middle stump while attempting a heave. The loss of the captain started the slide, and it went downhill quickly thereafter.Kallis mounted the briefest of challenges, lofting Ajit Agarkar over extra cover for a huge six, but fell next ball, pulling tamely to mid-on. The pitch offered some pace and bounce, and Ishant Sharma, especially, exploited it, getting the ball to zip at a fair pace. Agarkar also prised out White, who had held the record for the highest Twenty20 score till a few minutes before. Royal Challengers’ only chance was if he produced a similar stunner, but by the time he nicked one off Agarkar the contest was already over. The end came soon after, when Joshi fell to a miscued pull with 29 deliveries still left in the innings.The match may have been over long before the last ball was bowled, but McCullum’s stunner has given the IPL, and Kolkata, a dream start. With Ganguly’s team playing their next match at the Eden Gardens, this result should ensure that Sunday’s clash against the Deccan Chargers draws a full house, and more. The IPL extravaganza has well and truly begun.

A deal for one £50 million star could now be "too hard to do" for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe, with Tottenham "ready to swoop" and take advantage.

Spurs tipped to strengthen in key areas this summer

Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou will be looking to bolster his Spurs squad in a number of key areas over the summer window.

Related Simeone really wants Tottenham star with Atletico prepared to pay 8 figures

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2024

As reliably reported by Fabrizio Romano last month, Tottenham will be looking to add more goals and assists to Postecoglou's squad in the form of a star winger, with Barcelona's Raphinha and Wolves winger Pedro Neto among the players on their radar.

“Look, a player they appreciate for a long time is Raphinha from Barcelona. We know the financial situation at Barcelona is not easy, so he could be one of the names. They will look at that kind of player," said Romano to JD Football.

Tottenham's best-performing players per 90 in the league this season

Average match rating (via WhoScored)

Son Heung-min

7.34

James Maddison

7.28

Pedro Porro

7.10

Manor Solomon

7.05

Cristian Romero

7.02

"Another player they appreciate is Pedro Neto, but he has this issue with his injuries, so I’m not sure Liverpool, Tottenham or the other clubs following the player will be prepared to play big money for Pedro Neto this summer. That kind of player is the priority for Tottenham, I see them going for that kind of winger, a quality player to help with goals and assists."

As well as a goalscoring winger, another reliable media source in football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold has reported that Spurs want to sign a number 6 and new striker to replace Harry Kane.

The north Londoners, who are preparing for an all-important clash against arch-rivals and title-chasing Arsenal, have been repeatedly linked with bringing in a potential midfield replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – as it is widely expected the Dane could leave this summer.

One name who stands out above all others is Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, as the Blues may need to sell one of their star men with just a year remaining on his contract amid FFP worries.

Tottenham in pole position to sign Gallagher over Newcastle

Rumoured to command a £50 million price tag, an update has emerged on the 24-year-old's future this week.

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Tottenham are "ready to swoop" for Gallagher and favourites to sign him over Newcastle, as Howe's side are being restricted by the boundaries of FFP and a deal could be "too hard to do" for them.

Spurs are apparently "well-placed" to sign the Englishman over Newcastle as a result, which will come as a welcome bit of good news for Postecoglou.

Liverpool put Tottenham Hotspur to the sword in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon but the emphatic performance came too late for the Premier League title.

The recent slump that has seen Crystal Palace and Everton defeat Liverpool has handed Arsenal and Manchester City a foothold in the title race that now appears insurmountable, with both of the Reds' rivals requiring just one win from their remaining fixtures to end Liverpool's paltry hopes.

Still, the free-flowing display against Spurs highlighted the quality of this Liverpool side and then some, with out-of-sorts Spurs brushed aside after a brilliant hour that had seen Liverpool take a four-goal lead.

Naturally, it's never straightforward and defensive frailties were exposed when Richarlison and Heung-min Son halved the deficit in the closing stage, but it was too little too late and a top-three finish in Jurgen Klopp's final season is now confirmed.

But Klopp's legacy will live on, with so many talented players on the Anfield books. Incoming manager Arne Slot will have a mammoth task in succeeding Klopp this summer but with rising stars like Harvey Elliott in the squad, Liverpool are surely set for a lasting position of promise.

Harvey Elliott's performance vs Spurs

Last season, Elliott completed 46 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool and proved himself a high-quality youngster, impressing despite his side's woes and being hailed for his "special" quality by Klopp.

This year, after sweeping changes to the midfield, he's played more of a bit-part role in the Premier League despite featuring prominently in cup competitions, but with displays such as the one against Tottenham, Slot is going to find it hard to offer the 21-year-old anything less than a starring role.

Minutes played

83'

Goals

1

Assists

1

Touches

68

Accurate passes

47/53 (89%)

Shots on target

4

Key passes

5

Dribble attempts

1/1

Duels won

3/4

Tackles

1

It was the definition of an all-encompassing creative display. Elliott was a constant source of supply for his teammates while also demonstrating an improvement in his defensive game, winning three of his four duels. Moreover, his 89% pass success rate bespeaks his technical poise and composure.

That's without even mentioning the stunning strike. Salah collects, head raised, goal in sight. Will he shoot? Probably. No. He's sent it to Elliott, the young gun collecting with coolness and surging across the edge of the box, skipping over Rodrigo Bentancur's lunging challenge with balletic grace. He's ready. Anfield's ready.

The curling strike from range sent Liverpool into rapture and confirmed Elliott's masterful performance at a time of great need. Teammates stared on in awe; Ange Postecoglou looked away and shook his head. When it rains, it pours.

As per FBref, the diminutive ace ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 18% for blocks per 90.

He's shaping into a rounded player with a range of ways to inflict damage on his adversaries. Elliott will play a prominent part in the new era at Anfield.

He's not the only one to have not been an unwavering presence in the starting line-up in the Premier League however, with Cody Gakpo firing his way into form recently.

Cody Gakpo's performance vs Spurs

Gakpo, like Elliott, has been in and out of the starting line-up since completing an initial £37m transfer to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, after enjoying a breakthrough performance at the 2022 World Cup with Netherlands.

Be that as it may, the 24-year-old has scored 15 goals and added six assists in all competitions this season, despite starting only 29 of his 51 appearances.

Against Tottenham, he hit a goal and an assist apiece at centre-forward, nodding home Elliott's whipped delivery to make it 3-0 after curling his own cross over Lilywhites defenders to hand Mohamed Salah a much-needed goal after 16 minutes, opening the scoring.

He's not perfect, but the dynamic Gakpo has provided Liverpool with a steady goal threat this season despite his positionally nomaic role within Klopp's squad.

The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle was delighted with the £120k-per-week forward's performance and handed him an 8/10 match rating, writing: 'Excellent both in terms of leading the line and bringing others into play, strong on the ball and provided inviting assist for opener, leading to the reward of heading in the third.'

As per Sofascore, Gakpo complemented his goal contributions with 44 touches, hitting the target twice, creating two key passes for his teammates, succeeding with one of two attempted dribbles, winning five of eight duels and chipping in with a tackle.

His interchanging movements with Luis Diaz were especially eye-catching, ensuring that the Tottenham backline was left questioning their hosts' plan of action, keeping many attacking dimensions open, accessible.

With Darwin Nunez benched for the third time in four Premier League matches following poor form, Gakpo has an excellent opportunity to impress his compatriot Slot when he takes to the dugout next season.

How Cody Gakpo could fit in under Slot

Gakpo might just be taking this chance, having been one of Liverpool's most consistent and most influential performers over this recent drab run of results.

Perhaps a victim of his own versatility, the 6 foot 1 star has played four different positions over seven times each throughout the 2023/24 season and while he has been criticised, there are many facets to this sharp skill set that make him perfect for Slot's system.

As per FBref, Gakpo ranks among the top 19% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 15% for progressive carries, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 2% for tackles per 90.

There are few centre-forwards capable of maintaining an impressive rate of scoring who offer such a diversified style of play, and Slot, who plays high-tempo, free-flowing attacking football, will need such a star.

Whether Liverpool decide to move for a new striker at this stage remains to be seen, but Gakpo has all the quality to succeed for years to come on Merseyside, and he might just win Slot over and play a prominent role over the coming campaigns.

Liverpool star who dropped a 9/10 has just revived Klopp's farewell tour

Anfield played to this maverick’s tune as Spurs were dispatched in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair May 5, 2024

Arsenal have reportedly asked about '10 wide players' as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad even further before the transfer deadline.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Arsenal looking to sign a wide playerReportedly contacted 10 playersLooking for a low-profile winger for the squad(C) Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal have all but completed the transfer of Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino and will likely do so in the next few days. While the Sociedad star was the Gunners' main target for the summer, they have also been looking to sign 'wide players' before the end of the registration period.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Gunners have made enquiries for ten wide players in recent weeks, according to The Independent's Reading the Game Newsletter. For Arsenal, Athletic Club's Nico Williams has been the major target on the wings, however, the Spain star is set to stay in the Basque region for another season and is said to prefer a move to Barcelona next summer.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

While Williams would have been a signing to start regularly for Arteta's side, the Gunners are now looking towards a lower-profile, less costly winger to sign as a squad player, who would play a role similar to the one Leandro Trossard has enjoyed for the last year and a half.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

With just over five days remaining until the end of the summer transfer window, Arsenal will have to hurry up their pursuit of a wide player or a winger, if they are intent on doing so. Regardless, Arteta will be focused solely on Premier League matters for now with Arsenal set to take on Brighton in their next game.

MatériaMais Notícias

A imprensa espanhola já noticiou a possibilidade de Rodrigo Muniz acertar com o Atlético de Madrid. Com a proposta oficial em mãos, o Flamengo, agora, avalia a transferência do atacante, vice-artilheiro do clube em 2021, com 15 gols, que desperta interesse de outros times do exterior, incluindo o Genk, da Bélgica. A informação da formalização da oferta foi publicada pelo “Extra”.

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A oferta do Atlético de Madrid, do técnico Diego Simeone, é similar a do Genk, cujo valor total poderia alcançar 5 milhões de euros, cerca de R$ 30 milhões, caso o atleta atingisse determinadas metas estipuladas em contrato.

Autor de nove gols na temporada de 2021, Rodrigo Muniz está à disposição de Rogério Ceni para o jogo do Flamengo nesta quinta-feira, na Arena Pantanal, às 20h contra o Cuiabá. A partida terá transmissão em tempo real do LANCE!

Vindo de uma derrota para o Juventude, em Caxias do Sul, o Rubro-Negro tenta se reabilitar e conquistar a primeira vitória como visitante neste Brasileirão.

> Confira os resultados e a classificação completa do Campeonato Brasileiro!