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Few Liverpool supporters would argue against the 2022/23 campaign marked the nadir of Jurgen Klopp's illustrious reign at Anfield, with the German manager failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in a full season.

But with the current campaign restoring both Liverpool's verve and credentials as challengers for silverware, there has been much to rejoice over since the starting line was crossed back in August.

Considering this, Football FanCast has perused the narrative of the term thus far and put together a comprehensive list of Liverpool's player ratings. All ratings are out of 10 and feature players to have made more than five starts in the Premier League so far this season.

Goalkeepers Alisson Becker

9/10: Now, it's a bold claim considering some of the efforts from Liverpool's starring outfield members, but Alisson Becker might just take the spot as Klopp's best player of the campaign.

Seemingly indomitable with his odd-defying saves, commanding presence and silky distribution, the Reds probably wouldn't find themselves in title contention if not for his machine-like motions between the sticks.

Caoimhin Kelleher

6/10: Caoimhin Kelleher has made ten appearances this season and while Alisson's presence has been missed when the Irishman is provided a starting berth, he is a competent back-up keeper and does his job for the Reds.

Full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold

8/10: Simply sublime across recent weeks, and were it not for a shaky start to the campaign then Trent Alexander-Arnold's rating would be higher; the influential, role-reshaping creator has posted two goals and seven assists so far in 2023/24, and the best is surely still to come…

Joe Gomez

7/10: Recently, Joe Gomez appears to have decided that he is going to score a goal in professional football and there is nothing that anyone can do about it.

He's not perfect, but the 26-year-old is enjoying a "renaissance" – as said by writer Joel Rabinowitz – after an abject year, and often provides stability at right-back that allows Alexander-Arnold to foray forward and wreak havoc.

Andrew Robertson

7/10: Andy Robertson remains sidelined after injuring his shoulder on international duty with Scotland in October, but he impressed across his first eight Premier League fixtures of the term, scoring a crucial goal at Molineux, completing 87% of his passes and averaging 2.6 key passes and 7.1 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

Kostas Tsimikas

5/10: Handed an opportunity for a starring role following Robertson's setback, Kostas Tsimikas, aged 27, has ebbed and flowed from form, however, he has chalked up three assists from eight starts in the English top-flight.

One of the worst regular performers this season, noted for an "abysmal" display in the Europa League by one podcaster.

Centre-backs Virgil van Dijk

8.5/10: Virgil van Dijk has been a veritable wall in front of Alisson's goal this season, eradicating the concerns that his struggles last season bred with sustained performances of world-class distinction.

In the Premier League, as per Sofascore, he has scored one goal, supplied two assists and kept five clean sheets from 15 matches, completing 90% of his passes, making a key pass every other game, averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions, 4.8 ball recoveries and 4.7 clearances per outing and winning 77% of his duels. Imperious.

He was sent off against Newcastle United in the early stages however, and for this reason, he's a smidge behind his shot-stopper in the ratings.

Joel Matip

7.5/10: One of the more poignant tales of the campaign, long-time servant Joel Matip's season ended in crushing circumstances after rupturing his ACL against Fulham earlier in December; he's out of contract in June. He'd been excellent to that point, and if this is it for his Anfield career, what a ride it's been…

Ibrahima Konate

7/10: Ibrahima Konate had not been starting regularly in the Premier League before Matip's injury, but he has started four of the past five Premier League matches and will hope to sustain his fitness over the coming months, particularly impressing against Arsenal last time out.

Jarell Quansah

8/10: Perhaps a slightly generous rating, but I doubt many will dispute it. Bursting onto the scene this season, 20-year-old Jarell Quansah is the real deal and looks every bit the commanding and controlled centre-half to perform for Liverpool over the coming years.

Midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai

7.5/10: Should Dominik Szoboszlai's rating be higher? Perhaps, but the Hungary captain has plateaued across recent weeks and will need to ramp it up a gear to return to that early-season form that tantalised greatness on Merseyside.

Alexis Mac Allister

7.5/10: Alexis Mac Allister has divided opinion since his £35m summer transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion, though this is largely because he has been forced into a deeper-lying role than he might have liked.

Nonetheless, the 2022 World Cup winner has proved to be an excellent signing, with his dynamism and energy in the centre invaluable in reviving the squad. Also scored an absolute worldie against Fulham.

Ryan Gravenberch

6.5/10: Ryan Gravenberch has demonstrated flashes of brilliance since joining in the summer but still needs plenty of refinement to cement a prominent spot in Klopp's Liverpool team.

Wataru Endo

7/10: Signed as a stop-gap option after Liverpool missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Wataru Endo, aged 30, has been solid if unspectacular, lacking a bit in physicality and command but working tirelessly and popping up with some big moments.

Curtis Jones

7/10: Underrated and underappreciated by some, Curtis Jones is a “truly special” – as has been said by one analyst – midfielder with a complete technicality to rival many more salient names floating around the European scene. He'll want to start receiving more starting appearances.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 5% for assists per 90. That says it all.

Harvey Elliott

8/10: Like Jones, Harvey Elliott is desperate to rise up the pecking order, but the 20-year-old need only have faith in his prodigious qualities and bide his time.

Fleet-footed, graceful and brimming with guile, the England U21 star has been mesmerising most of the time he's been on the pitch, and his last-gasp winner against Crystal Palace earlier in December could be crucial in the gripping title battle.

Forwards Mohamed Salah

9/10: Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is comfortably one of the greatest forwards in Premier League history and continues to prove his odd-defying brilliance this season. Need more be said?

Games

Goals

Assists

Premier League

18

12

7

Europa League

5

3

1

Carabao Cup

2

1

0

Total

25

16

8

*Sourced via Transfermarkt

Darwin Nunez

7/10: This was a strenuous rating to decide upon. Darwin Nunez is a fan favourite and rightly so. He's brilliant, he really is, and he embodies many of the best qualities of watching your forward terrorise opposition defences.

Unfortunately, he hasn't quite found his shooting boots despite improving from last year's woes and will need to snap an 11-match goalless streak to truly start proving himself as one of Europe's very best.

Cody Gakpo

6/10: Possibly a victim of his own versatility, Cody Gakpo has scored seven times this season but is not quite producing the glittering performances that his exploits with PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands at the World Cup tantalised. He needs to go up a gear.

Diogo Jota

8/10: Having been ruled out since a shoulder injury sustained against Manchester City in November, Liverpool have clearly been lacking Diogo Jota's incisive goal threat.

Eight goals from just 11 starts across all competitions underscores the Portugual star's value to Klopp's team.

Luis Diaz

6/10: Luis Diaz will feel aggrieved for having a wonderful goal inexplicably ruled out for offside against Tottenham Hotspur, but he's scored just one league goal since August, and for his standards, he's flattered to deceive and will need to increase his output.

The ball is getting soft. The pitch is possibly easing out, going back to its avatar of the first two days. There has been a partnership after the first three wickets, Australia can think of safety as lunch approaches… But just then Jasprit Bumrah produces a mad piece of genius, only his second slower ball of the series, a dipping yorker to squeeze under Shaun Marsh’s bat to trap him lbw. His Mumbai Indians captain, Rohit Sharma, had a significant role to play in it.”When I was bowling there, the wicket had become really slow and the ball had become soft,” Bumrah said of that last over before lunch. “Nothing much was happening. So, last ball before lunch, Rohit was there at mid-off and he told me, ‘You can try a slower ball like you bowl in one-day cricket.’ So, I thought, ‘Yeah, I could give it go. Nothing is really happening and maybe a slower ball there and some of their guys play with hard hands…’ So, I wanted to try that, the execution was good on the day, yeah, really happy.”The plan was two-pronged. A full slower ball, it dips on Shaun Marsh, either beats him or he plays early and lobs a catch to short cover. “I tried to bowl a slower one, a fuller slow ball,” Bumrah said. “Maybe it will dip or go to short cover. So that was the plan, and it worked.”The yorker by itself remains an under-rated delivery in Test cricket, not tried often enough against set top-order batsmen. You usually see it employed against the tail or only when the ball is reversing. Who better than a smart fast bowler in Bumrah to explain why?”It is a little different in Test cricket,” Bumrah said. “In white-ball cricket there are only 10 overs. Yorker takes a lot out of your body. After bowling 25 overs it is difficult sometimes to execute the yorkers. It is an under-rated delivery in Test cricket, but I believe you cannot overdo it because it’s easier for the batsmen if you get it wrong and easier to score as well. But you can use it in patches and when there is reverse swing it is more effective.”ALSO READ: India’s perfect team effort produces near-perfect dayBumrah has had a great year in Test cricket without having to resort to any fancy deliveries. A year ago, he was not in many people’s thoughts when it comes to Test cricket because he had not played any first-class cricket for a year. Now he looks set to end the year with most wickets for an Indian paceman in a calendar year, and with 45 wickets already to his name he looks set to become the fastest Indian quick to 50 wickets. Others might be surprised but he isn’t.”I am not surprised,” Bumrah said. “If I say I don’t believe in myself, who else will? I just try to back myself in any situation that I get. Yes the start has been good, and I have played in England, South Africa and here. Three different kinds of conditions, yes I have not played a Test in India, but whenever you go to different countries, you have new learnings and experiences from playing in every country. I have had a good start. Let’s see how it goes further.”

West Ham United will have no problem paying the asking price to sign a forward who's been called "similar" to Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.

Hammers chasing new forward

Michail Antonio's uncertain future, coupled with David Moyes and his seeming lack of faith in Danny Ings, highlight the potential need for West Ham to bring in new forward options sooner rather than later.

Technical chief Tim Steidten is the man tasked with overseeing their transfer activity, and it is believed he is growing in influence at West Ham. The east Londoners are thought to be chasing a striker as their main focus for January, but Moyes has been forced to improvise in the meantime.

Winger Jarrod Bowen has been used down the middle on occasion, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson actually suggesting West Ham have enough cover there already.

“I think Moyes has that cover with Mohammed Kudus, he’s been a great signing," said Robinson on West Ham's striker situation to Football Insider.

"He’s the option. He can play down the centre as well, but also in recent weeks, we’ve seen Jarrod Bowen fill in that role and he’s been excellent. I’ve seen him a few times this season.

“With Kudus and Bowen, maybe not direct competitors, but David Moyes certainly has options and he is not afraid to use them.

“I really like what he’s done there. They’ve progressed again whether or not he looks for a direct competitor for Antonio to strengthen his squad. It’s a squad that’s used to the rigours of European football and they’re in a much better place. In regards to Antonio, if the manager can afford that luxury, maybe it’s something he looks at.”

The Irons, in their pursuit of a new forward, are actually believed to have their eyes on quite an interesting option in Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson.

West Ham ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson

The Iceland international is versatile and can play out wide, through the centre and as a second striker – which is what he's done under manager Alberto Gilardino.

Gudmundsson has often been deployed as the second striker behind Meteo Retegui this term, where he has impressed with five goals in 12 Serie A appearances.

Genoa rewarded the 26-year-old with a new contract on Friday as a result of his excellent performances, but that hasn't deterred Steidten and co.

Indeed, according to Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), West Ham are ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson and will have no problem paying his asking price.

The "exemplary" attacker (Kevin Strootman) is said to be valued at around £17.5 million, and they aren't the only ones who wish to make a move for Gudmundsson.

Rivals from the Premier League, Napoli and Roma are mentioned as other suitors for the player and it will be very interesting to see who comes out on top.

Given Gudmundsson's versatility and form, coupled with the notion that he is actually "similar" to Kudus (Football Transfers), £17.5m could be a price worth paying.

When Birmingham City fired John Eustace from his post as manager, the Blues were flying in sixth position.

Blues co-owner Tom Brady wanted to bring a "big name" to the club and opted to hire Wayne Rooney, despite not boasting the managerial pedigree to suggest that was the right decision.

As expected, Brady's attempts to treat football like an American sport have backfired, with the former Manchester United striker overseeing four defeats from his first five Championship matches.

It's been a disastrous six weeks for Birmingham, who have gone from challenging for the play-offs to languishing in 18th position and if this terrible form continues, the club will have no other option but to pull the trigger and sack Rooney.

If he does make it to January, however, the one-time England skipper could get the opportunity to bolster his squad with new recruits and attempt to turn a difficult situation into a more positive outlook.

With this in mind, here's what a predicted XI could look like at Birmingham come the end of the January transfer window…

1 GK – Jack Butland

Following his appointment in October, Rooney instantly admitted that he was eyeing possible targets for the January transfer window, and one of those could be former goalkeeper Jack Butland, who started his career at St Andrew's.

According to the Sun [via Birmingham Mail], the 6 foot 5 Rangers shot-stopper is Rooney's first choice for the position, however, he may have to wait for him, claims the report. Butland joined the Scottish giants when he left Crystal Palace in the summer meaning he would have to push to leave for a small sum in January.

If they did manage to recapture the 30-year-old – who has been dubbed "outstanding" by ex-Gers boss Michael Beale – he would replace the veteran John Ruddy, who has conceded 22 goals in 16 appearances this term.

2 RB – Ethan Laird

Birmingham made the astute capture of Ethan Laird from Manchester United in the summer but he only got two and a half games into his Blues career before he was sidelined with a hamstring injury against Bristol City.

An explosive and attacking right back, Laird has returned to become the driving force down the right, making more successful dribbles (2.4) than any other player in the squad.

3 CB – Dion Sanderson

Captured on a permanent deal from arch-rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, following two successful loan spells at St Andrew's, Sanderson was named the Birmingham captain this season and has led by example ever since.

If he isn't making last-ditch tackles or winning aerial duels against attackers, he's commanding his defence and setting the tone through his purposefulness in possession.

His importance to the team is underscored by the fact he's featured in every minute of the Championship so far.

4 CB – Emanuel Aiwu

When Rooney was appointed manager, Kevin Long was preferred to partner Sanderson in defence, however, the Englishman has since given Emanuel Aiwu a chance to shine.

He arrived on loan from Serie B side US Cremonese in the summer and following his debut in the defeat against Southampton, the 23-year-old has never looked back.

Despite the poor run of form, Aiwu has been a rare beam of light during a difficult period, making the second most tackles per game (3.3) and more clearances (4.0) than any other Blues player.

5 LB – Cody Drameh

The on-loan Leeds United full-back has started in all five games that Rooney has taken charge of and has impressed with his attacking impetus down the right and left flank, supplying two assists.

Drameh, who earned promotion to the Premier League with Luton Town last term, has also impressed with the defensive side of his game, ranking in the top 3% against his positional peers in the Championship this season for tackles, top 11% for blocks and top 9% for clearances, as per FBref.

Having taken his opportunity to shine once more, Rooney should try and strike a deal with Leeds to keep him at the club permanently after revealing he has no intention of signing a new contract at Elland Road.

6 CM – Krystian Bielik

The 11-cap Poland international is the destructive ball-winner in midfield and eats up ground like it's going out of fashion, recovering an impressive 7.7 balls per game, making 1.7 tackles and 1.9 interceptions – the second most in the Blues squad.

A key anchor in Rooney's ship that he hopes will sail towards the top half of the Championship table, Bielik has only missed one match this term and unsurprisingly, it was one they lost – a 3-1 defeat against Sunderland last time out.

7 CM – Gavin Kilkenny

According to Football Insider, Birmingham plotted a move for Bournemouth central midfielder Gavin Kilkenny in the summer.

The 23-year-old, who had spells on loan at Charlton and Stoke last season, is surplus to requirements at the Vitality Stadium having yet to make an appearance this term.

That said, the Blues could opt to go back in for Kilkenny – who would add an abundance of qualities alongside Bielik – to bolster their midfield.

When he played in the Championship for Bournemouth in 2021/22, he ranked in the top 2% among midfielders for pass completion (87.8%) and the top 9% for tackles (2.63).

8 RW – Koji Miyoshi

Miyoshi is a Japanese international who was captured from Royal Antwerp in the summer.

One of several quality Japanese players currently plying their trade in England, the 26-year-old has made an instant impression since arriving at the club.

The fleet-footed winger has scored three and supplied two assists this term while recording the most big chances created (4) and second most key passes per game (1.4) in the squad.

9 CAM – Juninho Bacuna

The former Huddersfield Town midfielder, who has made 15 appearances in the Championship this term, is integral to supplying the Blues with an abundance of energy and dynamism going forward but also tremendous defensive capabilities.

Despite being an attacking midfielder, the ball-winning machine ranks in the top 2% in the second tier against attacking midfielders/wingers for interceptions and the top 2% for blocks.

10 LW – Siriki Dembele

A fine capture from Bournemouth when he arrived in the summer, Dembele boasts the quality to turn a game on its head in an instant, terrorising defences with his pace and power.

The 26-year-old has demonstrated how dangerous his precise ball control can be by averaging the second-most successful dribbles (2.3) of any player in the side as well as scoring three times in 13 appearances this term.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag's job at Old Trafford is safe for now; however, rumours will continue to circulate regarding the Dutchman if results fail to improve at the club, according to one pundit.

Man Utd updates

This term, Manchester United have flattered to deceive and a culture of toxicity has bred its way into Old Trafford on and off the field, with off-field incidents involving Jadon Sancho and Antony alongside loanee Mason Greenwood creating mass hysteria away from the pitch.

Of course, the ongoing takeover saga at Man Utd has continued to destabilise the Premier League giants' progress in the transfer market. However, the Red Devils now look to finally be close to investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm Ineos following a long, drawn-out process, as per The Times.

Results-wise, United have lost five of their opening ten fixtures in the English top-flight and have lost the fear factor associated with away opposition pitching up at Old Trafford in years gone by. This was compounded on Sunday by Manchester City, who comfortably disposed of their rivals by a scoreline of 3-0 courtesy of a double from Erling Haaland and one from Phil Foden.

Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage laid into Manchester United's recruitment in the aftermath of the Red Devils' comprehensive defeat to Manchester City, saying: "You have got to look at the recruitment for Manchester United. Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Reguilon are three of your back four finishing the game for Manchester United against your rivals at Old Trafford."

In the Champions League, the Red Devils have won just one of their opening three group stage matches, in a dramatic yet unconvincing 1-0 victory over Copenhagen at Old Trafford last midweek; nevertheless, questions continue to reign regarding Ten Hag's ability to turn around the fortunes of his underperforming side.

Manchester United's summer recruitment

Player

Previous club

Fee

Mason Mount

Chelsea

£60 million

Jonny Evans

Leicester City

Free transfer

Sergio Reguilon

Tottenham Hotspur

Loan

Altay Bayindir

Fenerbache

£4.3 million

Andre Onana

Inter Milan

£47.2 million

Sofyan Amrabat

Fiorentina

Loan

Rasmus Hojlund

Atalanta

£72 million

All fees courtesy of Sky Sports News

Alan Hutton drops Erik ten Hag sack verdict

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC pundit Alan Hutton has indicated that he doesn't believe that Ten Hag's immediate future is under threat, despite recent reports saying Ratcliffe and Man Utd could look at former Chelsea manager Graham Potter. Nevertheless, the former Scotland international insists that "whispers" over his future and potential replacements will persist if results don't improve at Old Trafford.

"You just have to look at what he did last season. It might not be amazing for all Man United fans and what they used to be doing in the past but it is where they are at this moment in time, they are building something from the ground up and that takes time.

"I think they have spent a lot of money and some of the signings have not worked out as yet but the whispers I am hearing always go around big clubs, especially when it is a takeover. Sometimes it is just rumours. If results take a drastic turn and they end up falling out the European spots then they might look to change it. He is not that long in the door so I think he will be given time but as we know at big clubs it can be difficult if you are not winning games. I think at this moment in time he is in an alright position."

Manchester United have no time to wallow or feel sorry for themselves, as Newcastle United await on Wednesday in the EFL Cup last 16 on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford.

تقدم نادي إيطالي بعرض مغري لنظيره نادي مانشستر يونايتد من أجل الحصول على خدمات اللاعب ماسون جرينوود، في موسم الانتقالات الصيفي الحالي.

وعاد جرينوود إلى مانشستر يونايتد مرة أخرى بعدما انتهت فترة إعارته مع خيتافي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رسميًا.. مانشستر يونايتد يعلن تعاقده مع جوشوا زيركزي

وانضم اللاعب الإنجليزي إلى خيتافي في النصف الثاني من الموسم الماضي، على سبيل الإعارة، بعد تهميشه تمامًا في “الأولد ترافورد” بسبب تهمة الاعتداء الجنسي رغم تبرئته منها لاحقًا.

وأبدى أكثر من نادِ اهتمامًا بالحصول على خدمات جرينوود هذا الصيف، بعدما تألق مع خيتافي، مثل برشلونة، أتلتيكو مدريد، يوفنتوس ولاتسيو.

وأكد رئيس نادي لاتسيو، كلاوديو لوتيتو، أنه تقدم بعرض لنادي مانشستر يونايتد من أجل ضم جرينوود.

وقال كلاوديو لوتيتو، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية: “لقد عرضت 25 مليون يورو بالإضافة إلى 50٪ على إعادة البيع في المستقبل، بالإضافة إلى المكافآت والعمولات”.

وأضاف: “ومع ذلك فقد ظهرت عدة فرق لإزعاجنا، بعد يوفنتوس ونابولي، يبدو أن الجميع قد بدأ في الظهور”.

وواصل: “ربما يشعرون بالخوف من إمكانية حسم الصفقة، ويريدون إفساد كل شيء”.

Tottenham Hotspur have made numerous errors in their relentless pursuit of a return to the top of English football, with Daniel Levy often the orchestrator behind the curtain, sanctioning questionable transfers and terrible managerial changeovers.

Whilst he has made some true howlers across his 22 years associated with the Lilywhites, it could be argued that the worst of those decisions came as he dismissed Mauricio Pochettino and kickstarted a torrid few years in north London.

Jose Mourinho was first employed to bring that winning mentality, before Antonio Conte was recruited to do what the legendary Portuguese legend could not. In the end, both failed, and they are back where they started hoping that a progressive coach in Ange Postecoglou can lead them into a brighter future.

That is, at least what Levy is expecting, as he noted in a recent fan forum: "They're great managers but maybe not for this club. For what we want, we want to play in a certain way and if that means it has to take a little bit longer to win maybe it's the right thing for us. That's why bringing Ange in was from my point of view the right decision."

So, with the former Celtic man at the helm, already their development has been fast-tracked, aided by his shrewd recruitment, and the uncanny ability to turn previously poor assets into starring ones.

Who is Ange Postecoglou's favourite Spurs player?

Whilst it is hard to exactly pin down Postecoglou's favourite player for the club, given he speaks so highly of them all, it is clear that a few outstanding stars are beginning to emerge that are catching his eye particularly.

After all, it would be hard to look beyond James Maddison, whose £40m summer addition has proved revolutionary in its own right. The 26-year-old has taken no time to acclimatise, having already notched seven goal contributions in their opening eight league games, and helping them maintain their unbeaten league start.

Heung-min Son is another set to earn his admiration, with the South Korean having even been entrusted with the captaincy, to which he has repaid the new gaffer with six goals in that same Premier League period.

And yet, despite all these impressive starters, there is one man who the 58-year-old seems incensed to get back to fitness and return to the side, with his desperation to include Giovani Lo Celso outlined back in July: "I’m really happy with Gio. He’s been really good in training. You can see he’s a quality player and I think the way we play suits him. I’ve enjoyed working with him and I think he’s enjoying himself in terms of the football we want to play and yeah it’s going well."

However, the Argentine has just 86 Lilywhites appearances to his name despite joining in the summer of 2019, having failed to announce himself after an impressive spell with Real Betis which initially piqued their interest.

It was during that 2018/19 campaign in La Liga that he truly began to shine, as the 27-year-old scored nine and assisted four, whilst also managing 1.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

His tireless work rate in the engine room, plus his touch of quality, arguably makes him the perfect man to partner the likes of Yves Bissouma and Maddison in Postecoglou's midfield.

However, it has been far from plain sailing since that switch, with Spurs expert John Wenham even noting as recently as 2021: "He was awful and did absolutely nothing. Poor set pieces, poor pass completion, he was an utter passenger." Then, pundit Noel Whelan would slam his off-field antics, branding his and Romero's flagrant ignorance of club rules during the Covid-19 pandemic as "disrespectful".

The new manager is set to offer him a much-needed fresh start, but he has a long way before he can start repaying the huge faith shown by the club, which has seen next to no return.

How much did Spurs pay for Giovani Lo Celso?

The exact fee regarding Lo Celso's acquisition is somewhat shrouded, given he initially joined on loan just over four years ago, with one report suggesting he would cost around £55m.

However, in the end, the most accurate figure likely comes courtesy of The Standard, who outline the £15m loan fee initially paid, and the further £27.3m transfer fee later offloaded in January 2020, combining to the tune of £43.2m.

Regardless, it has marked a huge acquisition that Mourinho sanctioned, with the current AS Roma boss having clearly got it all wrong with this deal.

What is Giovani Lo Celso's market value now?

Numerous loan spells away from England have marked a desperate attempt to recoup some value on this deal, with Conte wanting nothing to do with the midfield maestro upon his appointment.

2022

€22m (£19m)

27% decrease

2021

€30m (£26m)

13% decrease

2020

€35m (£30m)

30% decrease

2019

€50m (£43m)

N/A

As such, despite some solid if inconsistent performances with Villarreal, his value has overseen a sharp decrease.

In fact, CIES Football Observatory suggests that the 46-cap star is now worth just €10m (£8.6m), marking a £33.7m loss across the three and a half years he has spent contracted to Spurs.

Why is Giovani Lo Celso worth that much?

Admittedly, it could be argued that such a figure is perhaps harsh given his performances back in Spain. After all, last term saw him score two and assist three, whilst also averaging 1.4 shots, 1.4 key passes, 1.5 tackles per game and an 87% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

There are signs of a true star within these displays, but one which was never bound to emerge under the tyrannical and stubborn leadership of Conte.

With the Italian having since been dismissed though, it does finally seem like Lo Celso is to get his chance, should he return to fitness soon.

Fans have patiently awaited the true unveiling of the £70k-per-week workhorse, and this season could mark just that. If Postecoglou can reignite the careers of Bissouma, Romero and Pedro Porro, turning them into outstanding and reliable assets, there is every reason to believe that he can work his magic again on a midfield maestro with all the talent needed to succeed.

At present, however, Lo Celso looks like a costly blunder as far as Levy is concerned.

For all the talent Tottenham Hotspur have had on their books over the years – including the likes of Jimmy Greaves and Harry Kane – it is fair to say that the Lilywhites have also let a handful of star names agonisingly slip through their grasp.

The most notable example of that fact was the loss of academy asset David Beckham to Manchester United back in 1991, with the then-teenager going on to become a global, footballing superstar following his departure from north London.

Those at N17 also endured the blunder of having sold eventual Liverpool legend Graeme Souness for just £30k in 1972, with the fiery Scotsman having been handed just a solitary first-team appearance at Spurs after rising up through the youth ranks.

On the face of it, it looks as if current chairman Daniel Levy could have fallen into a similar trap after allowing Marcus Edwards to depart a few years ago, with the diminutive genius now ripping it up away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Why did Marcus Edwards leave Tottenham?

The Enfield-born dynamo was tipped to be the next star of the future amid his stellar displays in the youth ranks at Spurs, with then-boss Mauricio Pochettino even likening the emerging talent to Lionel Messi in 2016:

"The qualities – it's only looks, his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi."

Despite that hefty praise – as well as his record of ten goals and seven assists in just 28 games for the club's U21 side – the 5 foot 6 sensation was unable to truly force his way into the first-team picture under Pochettino, following Souness in having made just one senior appearance for the club prior to his departure.

With injuries and off-field issues seemingly holding him back from living up to the early billing, Levy and co made the decision to let the fleet-footed enigma depart in 2019, with the forward joining Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes on a free transfer.

That had come after a promising loan spell at Excelsior the season year prior, with teammate Jeffry Fortes having stated at the time: "He is of a bizarre level, what he can do is really not normal, I have not experienced a better player in my career, and Mauricio Pochettino did not make that comparison with Messi for nothing."

How much is Marcus Edwards worth now?

Such a glowing assessment of Edwards' talents has been backed up by his displays in the years since leaving England, with the 24-year-old now shining for Primeira Liga side Sporting CP, for whom he has recorded 32 goal involvements in just 70 games in all competitions to date.

The former England youth international showcased his impressive transformation when the Lisbon outfit took on Tottenham in the Champions League last season, memorably producing a stunning long range strike on his return to face his former employers.

Described as the type of attacker who simply "leaves people for dead", in the words of TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves, Edwards was even touted with a return to north London earlier this year, as Levy also pursued a move for his then-teammate, Pedro Porro.

The Englishman's rise can also be seen by the fact that he has a £52m release clause in his current contract, while his actual market valuation is said to be around €30m (£26m), according to CIES Football Observatory, more than Ange Postecoglou's summer signing Manor Solomon is valued at – €20m (£17m).

The latter man has enjoyed a promising start to life at N17 with two assists to his name so far this season, although one can only imagine the impact that Edwards could have made in Postecoglou's attacking ranks had he not left the club four years ago.

Perhaps the Sporting ace simply needed a change of scenery to truly kickstart his career, although if his stellar ascension continues, Levy will be left to regret his decision to sell even further.

Australia captain Steven Smith will not play the fourth Test against South Africa in Johannesburg, after the ICC gave him the maximum penalty for tampering with the ball

Daniel Brettig in Cape Town25-Mar-2018Australia captain Steven Smith will not play the fourth Test against South Africa in Johannesburg, after the ICC gave him the maximum penalty for tampering with the ball on the third day of the Newlands Test. Fielder Cameron Bancroft, the player to actually tamper with the ball, was given three demerit points and fined 75% of his match fee after accepting the Level 2 charge.Earlier on Sunday, Smith was stood down as captain by Cricket Australia for the rest of the ongoing Cape Town Test, while David Warner was removed as vice-captain. Both players took the field under the temporary leadership of wicketkeeper Tim Paine.ICC chief executive David Richardson laid the charge against Smith under Article 2.2.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct which prohibits to ‘all types of conduct of a serious nature that is contrary to the spirit of the game’. Smith accepted the charge and the sanction of two suspension points, which equates to a ban for the next Test match, and the 100% fine of his match fee. He will have four demerit points added to his record.”The decision made by the leadership group of the Australian team to act in this way is clearly contrary to the spirit of the game, risks causing significant damage to the integrity of the match, the players and the sport itself and is therefore ‘serious’ in nature. As captain, Steve Smith must take full responsibility for the actions of his players and it is appropriate that he be suspended,” ICC CEO David Richardson said.”The game needs to have a hard look at itself. In recent weeks we have seen incidents of ugly sledging, send-offs, dissent against umpires’ decisions, a walk-off, ball tampering and some ordinary off-field behaviour. The ICC needs to do more to prevent poor behaviour and better police the spirit of the game, defining more clearly what is expected of players and enforcing the regulations in a consistent fashion. In addition and most importantly Member countries need to show more accountability for their teams’ conduct. Winning is important but not at the expense of the spirit of the game which is intrinsic and precious to the sport of cricket. We have to raise the bar across all areas.”The ICC confirmed that the umpires had been made aware of the possibility of ball tampering by television replays on the big screen at Newlands. The on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Nigel Llong then spoke to Bancroft and Smith, before they the third umpire Ian Gould and fourth umpire Allahudien Palekar, laid the ball-tampering charges. They did not replace the ball nor award South Africa five penalty runs because they did not believe the ball’s condition had been changed.The match referee Andy Pycroft said he hoped Bancroft would learn from the episode. “To carry a foreign object on to the field of play with the intention of changing the condition of the ball to gain an unfair advantage over your opponent is against not only the Laws, but the Spirit of the game as well,” he said.”That said, I acknowledge that Cameron has accepted responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty to the charge and apologising publicly. As a young player starting out in international cricket, I hope the lessons learned from this episode will strongly influence the way he plays the game during the rest of his career.”

Mahmudullah will stand in for the injured Shakib Al Hasan as captain; uncapped left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam replaced Shakib in the squad

Mohammad Isam13-Feb-2018

Mahmudullah swivels on the back foot and pulls•Getty Images

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) named Mahmudullah as the T20 captain for the first game of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, starting February 15.Mahmudullah will stand in for Shakib Al Hasan as captain after the allrounder failed to sufficiently recover from his finger injury which he had sustained during the ODIs. Uncapped left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam replaced Shakib in the squad.Nazmul had been performing well in domestic cricket, particularly the BPL, through the last three seasons.Mahmudullah, meanwhile, pipped Tamim Iqbal to take over the T20 captaincy after BCB president Nazmul Hassan had named Tamim as vice-captain of the T20 team in December, while naming Shakib as new Test captain.In 2014, Tamim was bypassed for the T20 captaincy, also against Sri Lanka, when Mashrafe Mortaza took over from Mushfiqur Rahim despite Tamim being the designated deputy.Squad: Mahmudullah (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Abu Hider, Abu Jayed, Ariful Hoque, Mahedi Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Afif Hossain, Nazmul Ismail