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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

England secured qualification for Euro 2020 on Thursday as they pushed Montenegro aside.

It was an emphatic victory for the Three Lions, who prevailed 7-0. Harry Kane, the captain, scored a hat-trick, whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marcus Rashford, Tammy Abraham and an own goal completed the rout.

This was the youngest England side in 60 years, with Harry Maguire, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kane the oldest heads in the starting XI at just 26. On the other end of the spectrum was Jadon Sancho, who will only turn 20 in March.

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The Borussia Dortmund star has been linked with a whole host of clubs in recent weeks, including Liverpool, and a price of £100m was mentioned by The Daily Mirror in regards to what fee the German side are looking for. Even though he managed to grab himself an assist against the Balkan nation at Wembley, it was an overall disappointing display from the promising youngster.

There were a couple of small positives. The former Manchester City man did manage to create three chances for his teammates, which only Ben Chilwell beat, but there were plenty of other areas where he was left wanting.

Even against a side that was clearly a level below Gareth Southgate’s side, the winger only managed to complete two of the five dribbles he attempted, whilst he also lost possession a game-high 22 times. The teenager also led the way with the most fouls – two – and won a paltry three out of 11 duels, which works out at just 27%.

His performances in the Bundesliga – he managed a league-high 17 assists last term, as well as 12 goals – have led to intense speculation surrounding his future. According to The Daily Mail, he has decided he wants to quit Die Schwarzgelben, and Liverpool have been linked with a move for him.

Whilst the talent is clearly present, there will have been too many sloppy moments in this game for Jurgen Klopp’s liking.

He is still learning his craft of course – he is, after all, still 19 – but the Reds cannot afford to carry players who are so careless in possession at times. He will get better, but the German boss will be wanting to see a lot more from the prodigy before committing to such a big investment in the future.

After Hatem Ben Arfa cemented his mixed status as one of Newcastle United’s most exciting players of the last decade, being a crucial component to their incredible 2011/12 season, supporters have yearned for a player with the flair to match – with some thinking they have found one in Allan Saint-Maximin.Â

Saint-Maximin, who got off to a slow start in a Newcastle jersey, has been flying recently with a string of influential performances that have been key to Steve Bruce’s side upping their momentum in recent games.

The Frenchman played a ‘lively’ role in their 1-0 victory over Manchester United at St. James’ Park, whilst also putting on man-of-the-match displays in their recent back-to-back victories against West Ham and Bournemouth.

Although he is yet to open his account for the club with a goal, he has arguably been unlucky – finding himself through on goal twice away to the Hammers but failing to capitalise.

The 22-year-old also couldn’t take advantage of a great chance to put Newcastle further in front against Bournemouth on Tyneside, but judging by his recent showings, it’s only a matter of time.

As a result, supporters have credited him with being the second coming of Ben Arfa – showing just as much flair and creativity.

Here’s what they had to say on Twitter:

After earning a well-fought 1-1 draw against the Premier League champions, Newcastle United will now be forced to assess the fitness of one player who was forced off against the Citizens.

Newcastle injury news

The Magpies earned the respect of Pep Guardiola after they battled from behind to eventually gain a point against Manchester City, courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s penalty. It was, of course, rather fitting that Gordon was the man who was left wheeling away in celebration after Newcastle fans shared their love for the winger with a pre-match display in reaction to reports that he’s penned a new deal at the club.

The big news in the build-up was the toe injury to Alexander Isak, who was absent against the Citizens in a major blow for Eddie Howe. The Magpies’ latest update on the Swede didn’t exactly hand those at St James’ Park a positive boost ahead of their midweek clash.

Howe told reporters, as relayed by the Northern Echo: “He [Isak] definitely won’t feature on Tuesday. Let’s see how he looks for Everton, and of course there’s an international period coming up after that and he’s an international player, so we’ll see the implications of all that.”

Saved by Hall: Howe must immediately drop 6/10 Newcastle star

He didn’t offer much against Man City in the Premier League…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 29, 2024

The forward may not be the only one missing from Newcastle’s next game. Howe confirmed that Newcastle will need to assess Kieran Trippier after the right-back was forced off against Manchester City. Whilst the Magpies are hopeful given that he was forced off through cramp, they are yet to be 100% sure and now face a nervous wait.

Performing more accurate passes than any of his teammates despite going off injured, Trippier proved his value in the game against Manchester City, during which he also made one last-man challenge and won all bar one of his aerial duels (as per Sofascore), and will now be looking to kick on if he manages to avoid an ill-timed injury blow.

"Brilliant" Trippier still important at Newcastle

Given how they’ve struggled for defensive depth in the past, keeping hold of Trippier should prove to be a vital decision for Newcastle. The experienced right-back may not be in his prime these days, but he is still capable of stepping in for the big moments as proved against Manchester City in a game that saw the Magpies hold on and secure a well-earned point.

Howe has always been well aware of Trippier’s quality too, saying after the full-back assisted three goals in a four-game run last season (via Metro): “It is a brilliant stat for a full-back, he is a guy who will play a lot of creative passes before a goal happens. He has been fundamental to how we work – his leadership skills behind the scenes have been second to none.”

In line to potentially miss the AFC Wimbledon game, Trippier will hope to feature against Everton in the Premier League next weekend, as he aims for a third consecutive start in England’s top flight ahead of Tino Livramento at 34 years old.

Julen Lopetegui has now started his tenure as West Ham United’s head coach with three successive home defeats in the Premier League. Chelsea were too slick, too potent, and put three past the Irons with a breeze.

There is much to do. Nicolas Jackson ran riot against the hosts’ beleaguered backline and Lopetegui must now rally his troops for the week ahead – West Ham travel to Anfield for the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before taking on Brentford in west London next weekend.

It’s hard to find flashes of optimism from such a lifeless performance. The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas said that it was a display from a team with “no identity” that “keeps conceding silly goals”.

There were a host of poor performances, but the man who was withdrawn a little over half an hour is probably the pick of the rotten bunch.

Guido Rodriguez's performance vs Chelsea

West Ham signed Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer this summer after the expiry of his contract with Real Betis in Spain. The 30-year-old has looked sufficient throughout his opening matches on English soil but was torn to shreds in east London this afternoon.

GIVEMESPORT branded the Argentine with a woeful 2/10 match rating, writing: ‘Couldn’t live with the Chelsea midfield in the opening half an hour as the game ran away from the Hammers. Was pulled off in the 38th minute by Lopetegui for a more dominant and physical player in Soucek.’

Rodriguez’s discernible lack of pace and mobility was exploited by Enzo Maresca’s men, whose ball-playing system and fast, multi-functional attacking outlets managed to overpower the midfielder and his Iron confreres.

He wasn’t the only one to struggle against the Blues tide, however, with Edson Alvarez possibly enduring an even more wretched affair. The Mexico international lasted beyond the interval, but not much longer…

Edson Alvarez's performance vs Chelsea

Alvarez sat deeper than usual against Chelsea, playing just in front of the backline and doing so with a whimper. He was withdrawn for the more enterprising Carlos Soler after just 54 minutes.

GIVEMESPORT were more generous in their rating of the 26-year-old, handing him a 4/10 and commenting: ‘Had a nightmare start to the game alongside Rodriguez as the hosts’ midfield was torn apart at will. Put in a slightly more solid and assured performance in the second period, but the damage had already been done.’

Minutes played

54′

38′

Touches

45

28

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

38/41 (93%)

20/24 (83%)

Key passes

1

0

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

0 (0)

Tackles

1

2

Interceptions

0

0

Total duels (won)

5 (2)

3 (2)

Dribbled past

1x

0x

Booking

1

0

As you can see, neither imposed themselves on the affair nor did they showcase the kind of robust athleticism that Lopetegui’s team needs to operate effectively.

Journalist Jacob Steinberg even said that Alvarez is “overrated”, noting that he is apt for a booking and caught out of possession with alarming regularity.

Let’s be candid. Lopetegui has his work cut out. West Ham spent in excess of £120m throughout the summer and the Spaniard inherited a team as talented as any at the club over the past few decades.

These players have not staked their case for a starting berth in the fixture ahead against Liverpool. With Lucas Paqueta, Soler, Tomas Soucek and Andy Irving all capable in deep-sitting midfield roles, it’s time for a change.

"Rubbish" – Journalist shocked by "pathetic" West Ham blunder vs Chelsea

The Hammers had a half to forget.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 21, 2024

A £40 million striker has now been described as “most likely” to join one of West Ham United or Crystal Palace in 2025, despite links to other elite Premier League sides, as Tim Steidten considers replacements for Danny Ings and Michail Antonio.

Ings rescues West Ham with 95th minute equaliser against Fulham

Manager Julen Lopetegui was minutes away from tasting his third defeat in four league games, and the Spaniard cut a frustrated figure on the touchline after Raul Jimenez’s opening goal for Fulham just past the 20-minute mark.

West Ham may be set for new talks to sign "fantastic" £7m-rated free agent

He’s readily available if the Hammers make their move.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 12, 2024

West Ham were often outplayed on a tough afternoon at Craven Cottage, and Marco Silva was adamant the home side also should’ve been awarded a penalty, following Max Kilman’s collision with Adama Traore.

The Irons did force Fulham to defend admirably in the second half, though, and they eventually found a last-gasp breakthrough. Silva’s men failed to deal with a 95th minute Jarrod Bowen cut-back, which fell to substitute Ings, who squeezed a clinical, low finish past goalkeeper Bernd Leno at the near post to salvage a dramatic draw.

“The belief and the effort was good, but it was a tough match today, and we could have done certain things better,” said Lopetegui after West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

“I know playing Fulham at their home ground is always hard, and they were good today. But at the same time, we can do better, and we will work on a lot of things ahead of the next game.

“The second goal in a match is so important so often, because it can kill or close a game. I think we had spells in the first half, but they were better despite not having too many clear-cut chances. But it’s true that in the second half we were better, and the changes we made balanced things.

“We pushed forward and the players kept fighting and believing, and thankfully we got the goal we wanted when it mattered.”

Ings was heavily linked with a West Ham exit all summer, but it was the Englishman who ultimately spared their blushes in west London on Saturday. The 32-year-old is out of contract next summer though, as is Michail Antonio, with an update coming to light on the pair and a potential new striker next year.

Omar Marmoush "most likely" to join West Ham or Crystal Palace

It is believed Ings and Antonio remain firm contenders to leave West Ham in the next 12 months, with TEAMtalk suggesting that technical director Steidten and his recruitment team could look towards Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush.

The Egypt striker, who could cost around £40 million to sign in 2025, dreams of making a move to the Premier League after scoring 17 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side last term.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Antonio

Fullkrug

Ings

Goals

0.31

0.40

0.11

Assists

0.09

0.25

0.00

Progressive Carries

2.37

0.76

1.38

Progressive Passes

1.29

2.28

1.85

Total Shots

1.56

2.34

2.18

Shots on Target

0.71

0.93

0.69

xG

0.29

0.48

0.28

Shot-Creating Actions

1.83

2.52

4.00

Aerials Won

1.88

3.49

0.62

Stats taken from FBref

Marmoush is “most likely” to join West Ham or Crystal Palace, as per TT, with the Hammers considering replacements for both Ings and Antonio. Eintracht boss Dino Toppmöller, speaking to the press earlier this year, described the 25-year-old as a striker who possesses a “tireless” work rate.

The African attacker has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, but it is Lopetegui and Oliver Glasner in the driving seat for his signature right now.

Sunderland may have been handed a boost in their efforts to sign Ellis Simms this summer, with Phil Smith of The Sunderland Echo reporting that the player himself could be keen on a switch back to the Stadium of Light.

What is the latest Sunderland transfer news?

The Championship side appear to have a few irons in the fire when it comes to transfer dealings, as they look to try and push on and seal a potential promotion into the Premier League next season.

The Black Cats are clearly keen to bring in attacking reinforcements, with the side revealed as one of the teams wanting to bring in Sonny Perkins on loan this summer. The Leeds man could be available on a short-term basis and the Black Cats have thrown their hat into the ring over a potential deal to sign him for the duration of the campaign.

In turn though, they lose some of their key players to those higher up the pyramid. Jack Clarke put himself on the map with his displays on Wearside last season and Burnley are now trying to snap up the winger.

One big striking target for Sunderland though has been former loanee Simms, with the Black Cats keen to get him back through the door at the Stadium of Light. It seems that a decision will be made soon over where the striker's future lies after a bid was made last week.

Are Sunderland signing Ellis Simms?

Now, according to a report from Phil Smith for The Sunderland Echo, there has been a fresh update over a potential deal. That's because the player himself is open to a return to the Championship side and "keen" to link back up with his old teammates.

That means that if the previously reported bid is accepted he will surely choose Sunderland. Other clubs are also interested, but it looks as though the Black Cats' previous association with the youngster has handed them a huge leg up in the race.

He's received high praise in the game already for his efforts up front, with Karen Carney calling him "unbelievable" in terms of his finishing ability. The Toffees starlet already possesses an excellent ability to find the back of the net despite being just 22-years-old and a transfer back to Sunderland could see him get more minutes and allow him to really hone that ability in front of goal.

It seems as if the player himself could fancy bagging goals again for the Black Cats too, so that will be positive news for fans of the club.

Manchester United officials have held a meeting with the agent of Inter Millan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Onana?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag appear to be making concrete moves in the transfer market, with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount looking like he could be the first high-profile signing of the summer.

After two rejected bids, those at Old Trafford are now reportedly closing in on a £60m deal for the England international, with a five-year deal already agreed between Mount and United.

It doesn’t look as if the club will stop there, though, and with David de Gea’s future up in the air, with his contract set to expire at the end of the month, Onana, who worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, has emerged as a real target.

Reports previously suggested that Man United were in pole position to sign the goalkeeper, who Mark Goldbridge described as “box office to watch when he's got the ball under pressure”, and a further update has been shared.

According to Romano in the last 48 hours, Man United have held a meeting with Onana’s agent, Albert Botines, with the Cameroon international expected to cost around €50m (£42.9m).

“Andre Onana’s agent Albert Botines had direct meeting with Manchester United today.

“Man Utd are approaching goalkeepers to explore options in case de Gea leaves — still waiting for final decision on that one. Inter won’t sell Onana for less than €50m with add ons.”

Is David de Gea leaving Man United?

Ten Hag could be left with a real shortage of goalkeeping options ahead of the new campaign. As mentioned, De Gea is out of contract at the end of the month and David Ornstein has claimed a departure looks a possibility.

Alongside the Spaniard, Dean Henderson has been linked with a permanent move to Nottingham Forest following his loan spell last season, and should the pair seal exits, United would have just 37-year-old Tom Heaton as their only option.

Therefore, pursuing someone like Onana, who has just come off the back of a solid first season with Inter Milan, keeping 19 clean sheets in 41 games and coming in of praise from Pep Guardiola after the Champions League final, appears to be a smart decision. It looks as if a move will be one to monitor, and it’ll be interesting to see if United make a formal offer over the coming weeks.

Chelsea are holding “contact and talks” regarding a deal to bring Gabri Veiga to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

Veiga is a central midfielder who currently plays his football for Celta Vigo in La Liga, having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from their academy. He’s now become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 55 senior appearances to date.

The Spaniard still has another three years to run on his contract at the Balaidos Stadium, but after establishing himself as his homeland outfit’s second top-performing offensive player last season, has been highlighted as an ideal transfer target by Mauricio Pochettino.

Reliable reporter Rudy Galetti revealed earlier this month that the Blues are one of several clubs to have “shown interest” in the 21-year-old, whilst Jacob Steinberg later claimed that a bid "could arrive soon”, and if the following update is to be believed, the two parties may already be discussing a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Are Chelsea signing Veiga?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Celta Vigo and Veiga regarding a move ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Gabri Veiga is ready for the next step now. He will leave Celta Vigo. His management is considering many options as he could become a future top player in central midfield. Contact and talks with CFC and others. Release clause of around €40m [£34m] – confirmed. Bayern is not involved.”

Should Boehly make a bid for Veiga?

Chelsea will know that Veiga only being 21 means he would be more of an investment for the long-term future of the club, but having already started to show what he’s capable of on the main stage, Todd Boehly should certainly consider tabling an offer to secure his services.

The Gol International client – the same agency used by Christopher Nkunku – posted 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, form which saw him collect three man-of-the-match awards, but the central midfielder was also a threat even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.

The Spain U21s starlet was averaging 3.14 shot-creating actions per league game which was the second-highest number in his squad, via FBRef, so he’s always looking to produce moments of quality for his fellow teammates.

Veiga has been lauded an “electric” player by journalist Fabrizio Romano for his youthful pace and energetic nature, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Pochettino.

Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest in Lyon midfielder Maxence Caqueret as new manager Ange Postecoglou looks to craft a team capable of rising to prominence next term.

What's the latest on Maxence Caqueret to Tottenham?

That's according to Foot Mercato, who claim that Spurs join German giants Borussia Dortmund in the pursuit of the Frenchman this summer and have placed him on the 'short-list' of options.

While the report does not reveal a transfer value, CIES Football Observatory touts the 23-year-old at £26m, and with four years still left on his current deal in France, it is likely his outfit will demand a lucrative fee to secure his services.

Tottenham failed to qualify for Europe last year and now must place the onus on making astute purchases in the transfer window and returning to the fore, and Caqueret could be the midfield saviour that chairman Daniel Levy craves.

Should Tottenham sign Maxence Caqueret?

With the Lilywhites ending a campaign without European endeavours to look forward to for the first time since 2009, there is simply no margin for error this summer in targetting apt individuals capable of playing pivotal roles in a coveted ascent back to European football at the very least, but Champions League football coveted.

While the shoddy defence was illuminated after a dismal and leaky season for the London club, with the 63 goals shipped over the 22/23 league term shockingly the sixth-worst record in the division, the centre of the park will receive attention as Postecoglou attempts to instil some swagger and belief back into the fold.

And Caqueret could be the perfect midfield option to nurture into a world-class talent, having risen from Lyon's youth ranks to forge 130 appearances across all competitions, scoring five times and providing 13 assists.

The France U21 international is an all-encompassing midfield engine and catches the eye with both his dogged pursuit of retaining the ball and his attractive ball-playing ability.

Indeed, as per FBref, the £55k-per-week menace ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past 12 months for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for successful take-ons and the top 14% for tackles per 90, illustrating a dynamic approach to his play that could weave the various facets of Tottenham's system together.

And given that he is listed as the most comparable player in Europe to former teammate Bruno Guimaraes, who departed Les Gones for Newcastle United in January 2022 for £40m, Postecoglou could hit the ground running by providing Spurs with their own version of the impressive Brazilian.

Guimaraes, comparatively, ranks among the top 19% of peers for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 13% for successful take-ons per 90, and has been hailed as "world-class" by Magpies teammate Dan Burn.

Caqueret could well be a "crucial" signing, as he has previously been called by Peter Bosz, enriching the central ranks and emulating Guimaraes in the Premier League, and Tottenham would be wise to kickstart their rebuild by forging ahead with negotiations for the dynamic ace.

Arsenal have reportedly made an approach to Sporting CP over a possible move for defender Ousmane Diomande.

What’s the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners appear to be working hard behind the scenes to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer following an impressive 2022/23 Premier League season.

One of the club’s top targets is West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. Reports have suggested that the England international has already reached a verbal agreement when it comes to personal terms ahead of a move to the Emirates Stadium.

A fee still needs to be agreed on between the two clubs, with Jacob Steinberg suggesting that is close with a figure possibly surpassing £100m with add-ons included.

Rice could therefore become Arsenal’s all-time record signing should a move go through in that price range, however, it looks as if the club could still make further additions.

Sport Witness relayed a report from Portuguese newspaper Record regarding Arsenal and Diomande in the last 48 hours. They claimed that the Gunners and Juventus have both made contact over a potential transfer, however, it is deemed ‘impossible’, with Sporting informing Diomande’s representatives he is ‘locked’ in at Lisbon.

The report does add that the player has a €80m (£68m) release clause, though, something that will need to be activated following Sporting’s stance on a sale.

Who is Ousmane Diomande?

Diomande is just 19 years of age and only joined Sporting back in January from FC Midtjylland. Since then, the Ivorian has gone on to make 17 appearances in all competitions for his current employers, two of which actually came against Arsenal in the Europa League.

The centre-back played the entirety of the game at the Emirates Stadium as Sporting progressed on penalties and was actually the visitors’ second-best outfield player on the evening, as per SofaScore. He appears to be a star in the making, with talent scout Jacek Kulig saying:

“You rarely see a player with such high ball-playing and pure defender skills. There are some tactical improvements but I'm quite sure this kid will play for the best teams in the world. The signs of elite talent.”

However, paying £68m for a teenager alongside a possible £100m+ deal for Rice could be seen as too much by Arsenal officials this summer, but following a recent approach and a starring display in north London back in March, it looks as if it could be one to keep an eye on over the summer.