The 21 -year-old student from Arizona has unexpectedly become a Southend United fan after boarding the wrong boat filled team fans
Tottenham Hotspur gave themselves a real chance of making it to the League Cup final with their 1-0 win over Liverpool last night, but aside from that, this season has been a tough one for the club.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have been riddled with injuries, which have contributed massively to their slide down the Premier League table over the last few months.
However, on top of their injury woes, the team have been wildly inconsistent on the pitch, and a number of stars have looked way off the pace for much of the campaign, including Son Heung-min.
The South Korean superstar has still been able to find the back of the net seven times but has been limited to 69% of available minutes in the league, so recent reports linking the club to a potential upgrade are not that surprising.
Tottenham Hotspur target exciting forward
According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in signing Borussia Dortmund star Donyell Malen.
Alongside the North Londoners, the report claims that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are incredibly keen on the Dutchman and that while they have supposedly agreed personal terms with him, they remain some way from the German side’s valuation, thus leaving room for Daniel Levy and Co to pounce.
A potential price tag is not mentioned in the report, but a story from earlier this week revealed that the Bundesliga behemoths value their exciting attacker at around £21m.
It could be a complicated transfer to get done ahead of the Villans, but given the reasonable price and Malen’s ability, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he could come in as an upgrade on Son.
How Malen compares to Son
Okay, so the first thing that has to be said is that, given the incredible talent and natural ability that Son possesses, fans should not expect Malen to come in and reach the same heady heights he did a few years ago – that would simply be unfair on the Dortmund man as few players are capable of that.
However, while Son is still able to chip in with goals and assists here and there, age catches up with us all, and as most fans would likely attest, he has struggled to have the same overall impact on games that he used to.
This is where the former Arsenal academy gem could come in and, as his underlying numbers since the start of last season show, be an instant upgrade for Postecoglou’s side.
According to FBref, the “extremely fast and very dangerous” Dutchman, as dubbed by former Dortmund midfielder Mario Götze, comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics.
For example, he scores more non-penalty goals, takes more shots and shots on target, completes more crosses and carries into the penalty area, and completes more successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Malen vs Son
Stats per 90
Malen
Son
Non-Penalty Goals
0.56
0.40
Shots
3.57
2.47
Shots on Target
1.70
1.17
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.46
2.08
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.23
0.14
Shot-Creating Actions
3.02
4.24
Goal-Creating Actions
0.56
0.55
Successful Take-Ons
1.84
1.27
Carries into the Final Third
2.19
1.68
Carries into the Penalty Area
2.19
1.84
Aerial Duels Won
0.38
0.14
Ball Recoveries
3.36
2.87
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24-24/25 domestic & European campaigns
On top of being more of an all-round threat, the 26-year-old also comes out on top when it comes to their defensive statistics, as he makes more blocks and clearances, makes fewer errors which lead to a shot, completes more ball recoveries and wins more aerial duels, also all per 90.
Ultimately, Son is unquestionably a Spurs and Premier League legend, but he is set to turn 33 this year, and while he can still be a useful player to have in the squad, he simply cannot be a regular starter in Postecoglou’s system.
Therefore, Levy and Co must act fast to secure Malen’s services before Villa do.
Personal terms now close: Spurs pushing to sign "ice-cold" Johnson upgrade
Spurs could be closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window.
2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 9, 2025
Yorkshire were set to chase 114 in 21 overs, but conditions have final say
ECB Reporters Network01-May-2022
Ben Compton’s prolific run of form continued with 93 for Kent vs Yorkshire•Getty Images
Yorkshire were denied the opportunity to chase 114 in the final 21 overs of a pulsating final day by bad light as Kent secured an LV= Insurance County Championship draw at Headingley.Umpires Graham Lloyd and Steve O’Shaughnessy took the players off the field before a ball had been bowled in the Yorkshire chase following impressive innings from Kent trio Ben Compton (93), Grant Stewart (91) and Ollie Robinson (85 not out).Kent looked to be in safe waters at 384 for 6 in their second innings, a lead of 104 and time running out.But Yorkshire captain Steve Patterson was at the heart of a loss of four wickets for nine runs in 24 balls. He claimed three of them to finish with 5 for 54 in 29.3 overs, only for the 38-year-old’s return to go unrewarded.Credit should go to Kent, though. They avoided a third defeat in four games and denied their hosts a second win in three to start 2022.Opener Compton and wicketkeeper Robinson played similarly doughty innings, while injured all-rounder Stewart (hamstring) was far more aggressive as he struggled for mobility and required a runner.Kent started the day on 118 for 2, trailing by 162.Compton is now the top division’s leading run-scorer with 560 and fell before lunch to leave the score at 182 for 5.Stewart and Robinson then shared 166 for the seventh wicket, a Kent record in matches versus Yorkshire, either side of tea having come together at 218 for 6, a deficit of 62 with 56 overs still to bowl.At that stage, Yorkshire were on top. The pair dug in initially before Stewart opened his shoulders.His 58-ball fifty was almost twice as quick as his partner’s. Kent reached tea at 312 for 6, leading by 32 with 35 overs remaining in the game.And they all but doubled the lead in the first two overs of the evening, including Stewart hitting two sixes to take the lion’s share of 20 off a Jordan Thompson over.More runs were to follow, with Stewart’s 91-ball innings featuring four sixes, all either slog swept or pulled.But he was run out clipping to mid on before Patterson trapped Matt Milnes lbw and had Nathan Gilchrist and Matt Quinn caught at mid off to raise home hopes of a first 24-point haul since the final game of 2018.Instead, they had to settle for 16 points to Kent’s 11.Last week, Yorkshire were thwarted for the first time in as many weeks when they were unable to take 10 wickets on day four against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.Stewart suffered a hamstring problem whilst bowling on day three and required Jordan Cox as a runner when he arrived at the crease.Yorkshire’s bid for victory, meanwhile, was hampered by the loss of Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, who was unable to bowl in the second innings with a side issue.Play was watched by new Yorkshire chair Lord Kamlesh Patel and dignitaries of one of the club’s new principal partners, Clean Slate Studioz, including owner Karnesh Ssharma – the brother-in-law of Virat Kohli.An overcast sky hung above Headingley for the majority of the day, with the floodlights turned on as early as the second over of the day. So it was no real surprise that bad light played its part.Yorkshire’s first breakthrough came via Patterson, who removed opposing captain Jack Leaning – his former team-mate and close friend – for 36.When Leaning under-edged behind attempting to leave alone in the day’s sixth over, the 56th of the innings, Kent were 126 for three with a deficit of 154.George Hill then struck twice with his canny medium pacers before Patterson’s late intervention.The match was deemed a draw just before 5.45pm, half an hour after bad light initially intervened.
West Ham United chiefs have approached a trophy-winning manager over potentially replacing Julen Lopetegui in the London Stadium hot seat, with the man in question learning from one of the very best in ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp.
Three wins from just 11 Premier League games is objectively a poor return, especially after their summer expenditure of over £120 million on nine major signings.
West Ham could now be offered £204k-per-week PSG player on loan in January
The Hammers really need an extra body in his position.
By
Emilio Galantini
Nov 22, 2024
Lopetegui’s West Ham have appeared lacklustre and uninspired on the field – branded a “complete mess” by some members of the media – which is far from what David Sullivan was hoping for after ex-head coach David Moyes drew the curtain on his memorable five-year stay at the helm.
This situation is said to be quite “volatile” behind the scenes in east London, with well-connected former West Ham scout Mick Brown recently suggesting that Lopetegui is walking a tightrope.
“The situation at West Ham is very volatile,” he told Football Insider.
|
Match |
Date |
Opponent |
Competition |
Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#13 |
09/11/2024 |
Everton (H) |
Premier League |
0-0 draw |
|
#12 |
02/11/2024 |
Nottingham Forest (A) |
Premier League |
3-0 loss |
|
#11 |
27/10/2024 |
Man United (H) |
Premier League |
2-1 win |
|
#10 |
19/10/2024 |
Tottenham (A) |
Premier League |
4-1 loss |
|
#9 |
05/10/2024 |
Ipswich (H) |
Premier League |
4-1 win |
|
#8 |
28/09/2024 |
Brentford (A) |
Premier League |
1-1 draw |
|
#7 |
25/09/2024 |
Liverpool (A) |
Carabao Cup |
5-1 loss |
|
#6 |
21/09/2024 |
Chelsea (H) |
Premier League |
3-0 loss |
|
#5 |
14/09/2024 |
Fulham (A) |
Premier League |
1-1 draw |
|
#4 |
31/08/2024 |
Man City (H) |
Premier League |
3-1 loss |
|
#3 |
28/08/2024 |
Bournemouth (H) |
Carabao Cup |
1-0 win |
|
#2 |
24/08/2024 |
Crystal Palace (A) |
Premier League |
2-0 win |
|
#1 |
17/08/2024 |
Aston Villa (H) |
Premier League |
2-1 loss |
“He could lose his job and be sacked immediately, at any time, things can change with the click of a finger. I’m not sure how good the relationship between the manager, the sporting director, and the owner is, but at the start of the season, I know it wasn’t good.
“They bought a lot of players for him and not many of them have turned up yet. That’s only put more pressure on him because if they spend big money, they want to see returns.
“From what I’ve heard, they were keen to give him time at first, but that faith is fading quickly.”
According to recent reports, the likes of Sergio Conceicao, Sebastien Hoeness, Maurizio Sarri, Roger Schmidt and Kasper Hjulmand stand out as managers linked with the West Ham job, if they do decide to part company with Lopetegui.
According to talkSPORT, former West Ham backroom coach and ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić remains in the frame as well.
The 42-year-old, who worked under Jürgen Klopp at Dortmund once upon a time, is out of work after leaving Dortmund – most recently guiding them to a surprise Champions League final against Real Madrid earlier this year.
He also won two domestic German trophies during his time at Signal Iduna Park, and his accomplishments in the Bundesliga haven’t gone unnoticed.
It is believed West Ham have sounded out Terzic over potentially replacing Lopetegui, with Sullivan and Steidten preparing for the “eventuality” that they could have to sack their current boss.
Chelsea women's captain Millie Bright has signed a contract extension until 2026, the club have announced.
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Bright signs new dealBlues have option to extend by further yearInto 11th year at the clubFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea have confirmed that Bright has signed a new contract at the club, putting pen to paper on an extension that runs until 2026. The Blues also have the option to extend that deal by a further year should they wish to.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Bright has spent 11 years at Chelsea and has become a legend in her time at Stamford Bridge. She has been involved in every single trophy win that the Blues have enjoyed, winning seven Women's Super League titles, five FA Cups, and two League Cups. She is also the club's longest-serving player.
WHAT MILLIE BRIGHT SAID
Bright told Chelsea's website: "Representing this club and continuing our journey together was never a question to me. This club is my home. Chelsea runs through me. The legacy continues…"
Paul Green, the head of women's football at the club, added: "Millie leads by example on and off the pitch and has been a key player in our success over the last decade. She recently became the player with the most WSL wins, a milestone reflecting the quality she continues to display."
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GettyWHAT NEXT?
Bright could next be in action when Chelsea play Crystal Palace in the quarter-final of the FA Women's Cup this weekend.
After another lengthy international break, the Premier League is finally back, and Ipswich Town have the chance to rain on Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United parade before it even really begins on Sunday afternoon.
However, for that to happen, Kieran McKenna’s side are going to have to be at their very best, although, with someone like Liam Delap leading the line, that might not even be necessary.
The former Manchester City ace has been sensational this season and has already racked up a haul of six goals and one assist in 11 league appearances.
Yet, there is always room to improve, and that may well be the club’s thought process, as recent reports have linked them with another young forward who could be the perfect rival for the Englishman.
Ipswich Town transfer news
According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Ipswich are one of several sides interested in Vasco da Gama forward Rayan Vitor.
Alongside the Tractor Boys, the report claims that fellow Premier League sides Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion have enquired about a possible January move.
While the competition is far from ideal, the good news is that the Brazilian club are prepared to sell their promising youngster for a fee of around £15m, which isn’t particularly outrageous in today’s market.
There is undoubtedly an element of risk in signing a youngster from the other side of the world, but given his performances at the youth level and the way those in the know speak about him, it may well be a risk worth taking, especially if he can help Delap reach another level as well.
Why Ipswich should sign Rayan Vitor
Okay, so let’s get right to the main reason Ipswich should be looking to sign Rayan in January: his output.
Now, it’s true that, since making the step-up to first-team football, the 18-year-old has only scored two goals in 29 league appearances, but 20 of those were off the bench and considering his age, it’s seriously impressive just how much experience he’s getting.
Moreover, when he’s played against opponents his own age or just slightly older, he’s been utterly electrifying.
For example, in the 2022 season, when he was 15 to 16, the “technically gifted” forward, as dubbed by South American football journalist Nathan Joyes, scored a staggering 31 goals in 43 games against U17 and U20 opposition.
Appearances
43
Minutes
2526′
Goal
31
Assists
0
Goal Involvements per Match
0.72
Minutes per Goal Involvement
81.48′
Unsurprisingly, this saw him selected to represent Brazil’s U17 team, and in 14 caps, the dynamic attacker scored eight goals and provided three assists while playing off the left, off the right and down the middle.
It’s this ability to play in multiple positions across the frontline that makes the “bulldozing forward,” as dubbed by Joyes, even more appealing, as not only could he rival Delap for a place in the team, but he could also form a brilliant partnership were McKenna to use him more as a winger.
Ultimately, while he’s not a household name, and there is an undeniable risk in signing someone so young from an entirely different continent, Rayan has such enormous potential that it is a risk worth taking.
Therefore, Ipswich should do all they can to secure the young Brazilian as fast as they can before the likes of Southampton and Brighton beat them to him.
Ipswich loan dud who left in 2022 is now worth even more than Szmodics
The talented youngster couldn’t make it work at Ipswich Town.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 22, 2024
As a 13-year-old in 2006-07, Ollie Robinson bunked off a week of school to spend Christmas out in Australia and watch Andrew Flintoff’s team get crushed in three of the five Tests of that winter’s Ashes whitewash. He’s back 15 years later with rather more uplifting recent memories of life Down Under, after his starring role in England Lions’ victory over Australia A two winters ago, a performance which he hopes can help him continue an impressive start to his Test career.Memories are all that any of England’s players have got to fall back on ahead of the Brisbane Test on Wednesday, after an extraordinary build-up – dominated on the one hand by their quarantine period on the Gold Coast, and by torrential rain on the other, as their intended seven days of intra-squad practice were reduced to two and a bit of glorified nets.And yet, Robinson believes his 12 wicketless overs on the penultimate day of that warm-up period will stand him in good enough stead for the Gabba, and better even than their Australian opponents, who have yet to have any meaningful red-ball cricket since their white-ball players returned from victory in the T20 World Cup last month.Related
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“It’s obviously not ideal preparation but, as a group, we feel we’ve made do with what we’ve been given,” Robinson said. “We feel in a good place, and we feel ahead of the Aussies which is the main thing. They were at the World Cup and in quarantine so they are probably a few weeks behind us. We feel like we have some good work in us since being here and hopefully that will give us the edge in the first Test.”Though he is still a rookie in international terms – and certainly compared to his senior seam partners, James Anderson and Stuart Broad – Robinson nevertheless turned 28 at the start of the month, and believes he’s long enough in the tooth to know his own game in spite of the limited preparation time.”It’s changed as I’ve got older,” he said. “I’ve learnt about my body and that I can get bowling ready in different ways. I’ve done a lot more running here than bowling outdoors just because of the weather, and I feel like I’ve learnt a bit more about how to get ready, really. I’ve taken note from Jimmy and Broady, they have done a lot of Test series and situations like this. I’ve done it differently this time but I feel ready to take it on.”Although England’s original bowling plans for the Ashes have had to be scrapped due to the absence of prospective pace spearheads such as Jofra Archer and Olly Stone, Robinson has long seemed assured of a starting berth at the Gabba – both due to the excellence of his maiden summer in England colours, in which he claimed 28 wickets at 19.60 in five Tests against New Zealand and India, and due to his seven-wicket showing in the unofficial Test win over Australia A at Melbourne in March 2020.
“It’s massive,” he said. “I didn’t think at one stage I was going to be playing for England again. So it’s been quite a rollercoaster over the last six to eight months, and to be here with the team, it’s quite an emotional time for me. To hopefully play the first Test is going to be huge for me and a massive achievement, and something that I’ll never forget.”I don’t feel as though [last summer] took a huge amount out of me,” he added. “It was obviously a tough series but I felt mentally fresh and, physically, it probably took me a week to get back to normal after the series, once the emotions died down. I felt like I could go again quite soon. Hopefully that’s a positive to take from that. Look at Jimmy and Broady: they’ve done it for years and years, and they have to be physically and mentally capable and fit to do that, so it makes me feel like I am in a better place after the summer and what I experienced.”Robinson’s two stints in Australian grade cricket, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Trent Copeland for Sydney and St George, have also helped to hone him as a bowler, while more recently he has been picking the brains of Troy Cooley, the former England and Australia bowling coach, who has been recruited by the ECB as a consultant for this opening portion of the tour.”When I came my second time at St George I really spoke to them [Hazlewood and Copeland] in depth about how they bowled in Australia,” he said. “I was actually a professional cricketer the second time out. So I knew that I was trying to make it at a higher level and any information they could give me would help. Hopefully it helps me with the Test series.”One area, however, where he believes he will need no Australian instruction is in the matter of on-field verbals. “The Aussie chat is pretty horrendous if I’m honest, so not really,” he said. “I don’t think me as a person could keep my head down if I tried. I’m definitely going to be trying to get under their skins and try and unsettle them as it were, batters and bowlers really.”If I can get them off their rhythm then we’re winning, so it’s something you’ll definitely see and hopefully we will come out on top.”
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that it will be third time lucky for Arsenal this season as they look to secure a first Premier League title since the invincible campaign of 2003/04.
The Gunners missed out on top spot by just five points during 2022/23, before only having a two-point gap to Manchester City last season – missing out on the title despite leading the way for the vast majority of the campaign.
However, the North London outfit strengthened the squad during the recent transfer window, signing players in various positions to provide added quality and squad depth in key areas.
Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino are just two players who starred at Euro 2024 before securing moves to the Emirates, with the latter only making two substitute appearances after an injury setback.
Despite their investment, one player who was at the club last season has continued his excellent form from 2023/24 into the new campaign – cementing his place as a regular starter under Arteta.
Kai Havertz’s stats in 2024/25
After registering a total of 21 goals and assists during his debut campaign with the Gunners, Kai Havertz has wasted no time in showcasing his talents once again during the current season.
The 25-year-old, who joined from London rivals Chelsea for £65m last summer, raised eyebrows over his move after his mixed stint at Stamford Bridge.
However, the move gave the German international a new lease of life, as demonstrated last season, but he’s made a stellar start to the new campaign under Arteta’s guidance.
Havertz already has six goals and one assist in his opening ten outings of 2024/25, with only Bukayo Saka registering more goal contributions in all competitions so far.
He’s now scored in seven successive games at the Emirates, showcasing what a good decision it was by Arteta and the hierarchy to prise the German away from Chelsea.
He could be further aided in his attempts in attacking areas, with the club targeting another German to bolster their attacking options in January.
Arsenal battling to sign European star
The Gunners’ recent progression has seen a return to Champions League nights in North London, with huge praise needing to be given to Arteta for transforming the squad.
His side remain unbeaten in the competition after a win against PSG, whilst drawing away at Atalanta in their opening game of the tournament back in September.
However, according to reports in Spain, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, but face competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
The 28-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, would be up for grabs for free next year, ensuring the Bundesliga outfit would lose out after splashing out £55m his signature back in 2020.
2020/21
44
10
12
2021/22
45
14
15
2022/23
44
14
10
2023/24
42
10
13
2024/25
4
1
0
Total:
179
49
50
Sane, who’s previously been compared to “Thierry Henry in full flow” by Rio Ferdinand, has scored 49 times in 179 games for the German outfit, but could leave after featuring for 32 minutes in the league this season.
Despite his lack of action, the Henry-esque winger is still valued at £50m as per Transfermarkt, but given his contract situation, it’s likely a potential January deal for his services would be well below his current market value.
His record at the very top of European football could make him a stellar addition to Arteta’s side, potentially allowing him to form a deadly partnership with compatriot Havertz in North London.
Whilst he may not dislodge Saka in a starting role, his pace and talent could see him provide that added depth that the Spaniard has been searching for as he looks to end the club’s two-decade wait for a top-division title.
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ByEmilio Galantini Oct 11, 2024
Manchester United continued their lacklustre form with a 1-1 draw away to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce. Erik ten Hag’s side could only stumble to a point away from home against a well-drilled home side led by their former boss, the legendary Jose Mourinho.
It was United who took the lead despite reams of early pressure from the home side. A well-worked move, started by summer signing Manuel Ugarte who won the ball in midfield, saw Christian Eriksen fire home from just inside the penalty box.
Mourinho’s team continued to pile on the pressure, and United goalkeeper Andre Onana pulled off a fantastic double save to deny Youssef En-Nesyri.
However, the Morocco international managed to get on the scoresheet just moments into the second half.
He met a cross from former Newcastle United man Allan Saint-Maximin, rising higher than Victor Lindelof to head home and equalise. Neither side was able to find the decisive action which won the game, and it ultimately petered out into a draw.
It was another frustrating night for United and Ten Hag’s side have now failed to win in Europe for exactly one year. There were some interesting selections from the Dutchman on Thursday night, in particular with Noussair Mazraoui’s role against the Turkish side.
Mazraoui’s stats vs. Fenerbahce
In Bruno Fernandes’ absence following his suspension after two yellow cards against Porto, it was interesting to see who the Dutchman would turn to as his replacement. His selection of Mazraoui at number 10 certainly caused a few surprises.
All things considered, it was not a bad performance by someone who is, by trade, a full-back. The Moroccan is an incredibly technical player which showed in some of his actions against Fenerbahce. He had some bright moments and played a part in Eriksen’s goal.
Indeed, his performance in Turkey was enough to receive a 6/10 rating from The Manchester Evening News’ chief Manchester United writer Samuel Luckhurst. He praised the United number three for being “positionally disciplined”, although ultimately said the experiment was unsuccessful.
The former Ajax defender certainly worked hard in an unfamiliar role, and his Sofascore stats reflect that. The 26-year-old had 64 touches of the ball, completing 83% of his passes and three from four long balls. Out of possession, he won two duels and two tackles.
Given the circumstances, Mazraoui put in a solid performance, and there were certainly more disappointing players on the pitch in a United shirt, including striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee’s stats vs. Fenerbahce
It has been an underwhelming start to life at Old Trafford for Netherlands international Zirkzee. After a debut goal against Fulham, the 23-year-old has not found the back of the net, although he did get his first assist in a United shirt against Fenerbahce.
The former Bologna striker teed the classy Danish midfielder up nicely, setting the ball perfectly for the United number 14 to rifle home and give his side the lead. Outside of that, however, the Red Devils striker struggled, and his usual fluid link-up play was not on display.
Indeed, his stats also suggest it was a tough night at the office. The United number 11 had just 21 touches, far fewer than Onana managed, with 49 to his name. Zirkzee managed to complete just 67% of his passes, lost the ball seven times and won two from eight duels.
Touches
21
Pass accuracy
67%
Passes completed
8/12
Ground duels won
1/4
Aerial duels won
1/4
Number of times possession lost
7
Assists
1
His performance earned him a 4/10 rating from the aforementioned Luckhurst following the game. The journalist gave the United striker a scathing review and explained that it was an ‘anaemic performance’ from the 23-year-old.
Ten Hag will no doubt be hoping Zirkzee can find his shooting boots soon. The games are coming thick and fast, and United need to pick up wins to get themselves out of this run of poor form.
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2 ByStephan Georgiou Oct 28, 2024
Sunderland supporters will be proud of their team’s early efforts this Championship season so far, with the Black Cats sitting at the very top of the tree going into the international break.
Nobody really knew what to anticipate from Regis Le Bris when he took over the reins in the summer after a topsy-turvy 2023/24 campaign saw Sunderland finish way below expectations, but the Frenchman has managed to successfully navigate any choppy waters that have come his way so far with an impressive six wins picked up from nine league games.
It will all be about keeping this form up when football resumes after international clashes are over and done with, with Jobe Bellingham key to his side’s chances of staying put in first place.
Bellingham's form this season
The 19-year-old continues to be one of the most exciting players at the Black Cats, as the youthful Wearside outfit begin to dream about winning promotion courtesy of their star-man’s heroics centrally.
He may well only have one goal and one assist next to his name so far, but it’s clear there’s plenty more left in the teenager’s tank, having helped himself to seven strikes last season even as his side struggled to leap into the top half of the second tier standings.
It wasn’t a bad strike either to get this 2024/25 account underway, hammering home a stunning effort past the Derby County goalkeeper right at the start of the month to help his team beat Paul Warne’s determined Rams 2-0.
With stunning strikes like these this season, and his exploits from last campaign meaning his spot in Le Bris’ XI is concrete, Bellingham might well feel he is deserving of a pay increase soon.
Sunderland might also want to tie down their top asset shortly, considering he has been looked at by the likes of Serie A titans Lazio in the past.
Away from striking gold with the former Birmingham City youth product, the Championship promotion candidates haven’t always got it spot on with their recruitment in the middle of the park, with one dud from the Tony Mowbray era going down as a costly mistake.
Bradley Dack's wage at Sunderland
Very much a signing typical of Mowbray’s tenure at the Stadium of Light, Bradley Dack – who shone under the watchful eye of the ex-Sunderland boss at Blackburn Rovers – was a poor move last summer when reuniting with the 60-year-old.
Not costing the Black Cats a penny when it came to a transfer fee, Dack still didn’t justify his significant wage at the club, which came in at an excessive £15k-per-week according to Capology.
23/24
Thigh
79 days out
15
23/24
Thigh
63 days out
11
20/21
Cruciate ligament injury
314 days out
40
19/20
Cruciate ligament injury
375 days out
49
However, although he wasn’t an expensive capture, his wages ended up being costly when you consider how many games he sat out through injury for the Black Cats, missing a total of 27 games in total last season due to absences on the sideline.
It’s not as if this was a fresh development for Dack moving to the Stadium of Light though, with two horrendous cruciate ligament issues bringing his once-celebrated time with Blackburn to a sombre end.
He would only chip in with a single goal and an assist when fit enough to play 17 contests for the Wearside club, with Bellingham left wondering how he found himself on a lesser £12.5k-per-week salary, next to his injury-ravaged teammate earning more.
In total, the unfortunate 30-year-old would cost Sunderland £780k in wage costs alone, a dent to the second-tier team’s bank account that should have been avoided.
Dack was ultimately let go of by Sunderland in the summer for nothing, with his demise now seeing him back on the books of Gillingham in League Two, who he started his EFL journey with in 2012.
Sunderland won’t dwell too much on their errors, however, as the new-look Black Cats side at Le Bris’ disposal eye up more wins when Championship football kicks back into gear shortly.
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1 ByKelan Sarson Oct 8, 2024