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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… 

Sunderland succumbed to a fourth defeat in six matches on Tuesday in what was, on the whole, a torrid display, but the performance of Tom Flanagan was a rare cause for optimism.

Leicester City U21s proved too much for the Black Cats, and their clinical edge on the night was exactly what Phil Parkinson’s side lacked, as they mustered just four shots on target despite having 59% possession.

A lack of creativity up-front is a familiar story at the Stadium of Light, but what may be more worrying to the new boss is that many of the fringe players failed to deliver when they were given an opportunity to shine.

While Laurens De Bock was tidy in possession with 87% pass accuracy and frequently found players with his seven successful long balls, it was Flanagan who was most robust in defence, as highlighted by his SofaScore rating of 7.1.

The centre-back has found himself out of the first-team this season, featuring primarily in the cups following the summer arrivals of Joel Lynch and Jordan Willis, but if he puts in more performances like the one on Tuesday he will make a good case for his inclusion.

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As per his stats from SofaScore, it was a complete performance from the 28-year-old, and the only concern of note was his sloppiness when passing, but that is an area of his game which can be influenced by Parkinson’s instructions.

Aside from that, his long balls forward helped to put Sunderland on the front foot, and in fact he has averaged a higher number of long passes per game than Willis has in the league this season.

His average of one interception per league game is also higher than the 25-year-old’s, which is a surprise given he has usually only featured as a substitute in League One.

That, along with his performance last night, shows that he could be a positive addition to the side, particularly when one considers that Sunderland’s best results have come with him in the team.

He was present for the League Cup wins over Sheffield United and Burnley, even scoring in the latter, and if the Black Cats’ defensive woes continue – which they have away from home – then Parkinson should thoroughly consider recalling him to the starting line-up for league matches.

Following the news referee Martin Atkinson has been appointed as head official for Newcastle United’s game against Bournemouth at the weekend, fans have had plenty to say in regards to the decision.Â

Atkinson, who has already taken charge of 11 Premier League games this season, has been chosen to officiate at St. James’ Park ahead of the encounter – with supporters not taking too kindly given his past record with the Magpies.

It will be the official’s third game refereeing Newcastle in 2019/2020, after taking charge of the opening day defeat to Arsenal and the goalless draw at home to Brighton.

Atkinson has also awarded the Magpies six bookings over his last four games, while not actually awarding a red card since Newcastle’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton back in 2017.

Of course, supporters aren’t exactly thrilled to have him in charge when they come up against the Cherries on Tyneside, with fans as vocal as ever in regards to their disdain for the decision.

Here’s what they had to say.

Many Chelsea stars have featured for their countries during this international break, with Noni Madueke making his England debut this week.

The 22-year-old was subbed on in the 66th minute for the Three Lions, providing an assist to Harry Kane in the 76th minute, to put England 2-0 up.

Other Blues stars involved on international duty include Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, João Félix, Filip Jorgensen, and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Enzo Maresca has continued to work with the group that didn’t go on international duty, which could see opportunities for some in the starting lineup against Bournemouth, having impressed Maresca over the past week.

One of those players is a forward who could shine alongside the aforementioned Madueke this weekend.

Chelsea could hand debut out vs Bournemouth

Whilst others have been on international duty, Jadon Sancho – the club’s “future superstar” – has had time to settle in at the club, since joining on transfer deadline day, working with Maresca and already impressing. Maresca is evidently a big fan, saying: “He’s a very good player, a one-v-one player with quality in the last third”.

With the Bournemouth game coming up, and other wingers such as Neto and Mudryk being on international duty, this weekend could be the perfect time for Maresca to unleash Sancho on the left-wing.

Sancho made 24 appearances for Dortmund and Manchester United combined last season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

So, why could he be so important? Well, In Maresca’s system, the two wingers are tasked with staying high and wide, looking to pin their full-backs, and get into as many 1v1 opportunities as possible, something that suits both Sancho and Madueke down to the ground.

We have already seen the positive effects this has had on Madueke, who started the season in red-hot form, scoring four goals in his first four games. It is this form that led to Madueke’s first England call up, and his first cap, but how does he compare with their new signing?

Goals

0.17

0.45

Assists

0.11

0.17

Progressive Carries

5.57

6.50

Progressive Passes

5.51

4.44

Shots Total

0.68

3.33

Key Passes

1.99

1.71

Passes into Pen Area

2.39

1.11

Crosses into Pen Area

0.34

0.17

Shot-Creating Actions

4.66

4.36

Successful Take-Ons

3.69

3.16

The dynamic of Madueke on the right and Sancho on the left would give Chelsea a huge 1v1 threat on both sides, and two wingers with different play styles, but similar desires. Both want to affect the game in the final third, but how they do so is quite different.

As can be seen from the stats, Madueke is more direct, looking to beat his man at pace, averaging 6.50 progressive carries per 90, and get shots off when possible, shown by his vastly larger shot volume at 3.33 shots per 90, than Sancho, who averages only 0.68 shots per 90.

The former Dortmund star is certainly more intricate than Madueke, wanting to use feints and slower movements to assess the picture of the pitch, using his creative passing ability to combine and create for himself and others. As such, Sancho averages 4.66 shot-creating actions, 1.99 key passes and 2.39 passes into the penalty area per 90, marking himself as more of a playmaker type.

Having a team with different dynamics could be exactly what Chelsea need to find their rhythm going forwards, with the in-form Madueke offering a more direct and relentless approach on the right side, and their deadline day acquisition offering more creative qualities and associative play on the left.

Better than Mudryk: Chelsea have a teen who could be their next Hazard

He’s already demonstrated his qualities away from Stamford Bridge.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 13, 2024

With the summer transfer window now closed, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention towards an experienced free agent alongside a number of interested Premier League clubs.

Newcastle transfer news

It's well documented that Newcastle failed in their attempt to recruit summer reinforcements for Eddie Howe's side, with Lloyd Kelly the first and arguably biggest name through the door at St James' Park. Of course, the Magpies were desperate to sign Marc Guehi, but even an offer reportedly worth as much as £60m wasn't deemed enough for Crystal Palace to sanction a deal.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell recently spoke about that saga, telling The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, as relayed by The Athletic: “Eddie was very clear and it’s not up to me after seven weeks to say, ‘We’ll do this and that’, because I’m in a supporting role. Were there options? Of course there were, as that’s the responsibility of the department and Newcastle.

"We probably were too narrow but, coming in mid-July, it’s not my strategy to control, it’s my strategy to support. But there was no player that he (Howe) wasn’t part of deciding and saying, ‘That’s the guy I want’.”

Earns more than Gordon: Newcastle should've sold star who cost £940k a game

He’s yet to feature for the club in 2024/25.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 5, 2024

There's still time for Mitchell to make up for things by utilising the free agent market, however, which could see one midfielder arrive. According to Football Insider, Newcastle are eyeing a move to sign Yusuf Yazici on a free deal alongside the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Yazici has been a free agent since leaving Lille at the start of the summer, but could now make his return in the form of a Premier League move.

"Extraordinary" Yazici is a risk-free move

Given that they wouldn't have to splash out on a transfer fee, Yazici represents a risk-free deal for Newcastle and one they could go for to add further depth to Howe's midfield. The former Lille man has plenty of valuable experience too at 27 years old and a player who has played Champions League football along with 45 caps for Turkey.

It comes as quite the shock that he is still without his next club, especially when taking a look at last season's numbers. The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a centre-forward and on the right-hand side, managed 12 goals and four assists in all competitions whilst in France last time out. If that's the type of form that he can replicate in the Premier League, then Newcastle would be landing the ultimate bargain.

Yazici also stole the headlines in 2020 when he became the first player in history to score two away hat-tricks in a single major UEFA European competition, with OptaJoe dubbing the midfielder "extraordinary" as a result.

Now it is Newcastle who may get the chance to witness such achievements if they make their move in the coming weeks.

West Bromwich Albion always knew, that regardless of what transpired on transfer deadline day, that they would be fine progressing forward in the Championship.

Losing the likes of Cedric Kipre, Okay Yokuslu, Conor Townsend and Brandon Thomas-Asante hadn't dramatically impacted the team spirit at the Hawthorns whatsoever, with the Baggies just soldiering on without their former star players, knowing that they're in safe hands with Carlos Corberan at the helm.

The late interest in Tom Fellows

There was a real concern in the air that Tom Fellows was going to be the next to jump ship late on in the transfer window.

Indeed, there was talk that Ipswich Town and Southampton were enamoured by the tricky winger after a bright start to the new campaign and could have made late moves.

Fortunately, the young Baggie stayed put in the Midlands and West Brom live to tell another tale.

Even if the homegrown talent had exited the building, West Brom would have survived and could well have given another youngster a chance in the senior spotlight down the right wing instead.

Akeel Higgins' numbers at youth level

Putting pen to paper on a professional deal at the West Midlands club just last month, 19-year-old Akeel Higgins could be the next rising star to make the cut in the men's team soon like Fellows.

The Birmingham-born teenager has impressed those in West Brom circles with his output the last two seasons playing in the Premier League 2, with the 22/23 campaign at this youth level even seeing him play alongside the now-established first-team presence before his breakthrough moment came about.

Higgins bagged four goals and picked up two assists from 12 league outings that campaign, before finding his minutes had been increased for the youthful Baggies the season after, with eight more appearances handed to him.

In total, the 19-year-old has posted five goals and four assists from 34 total contests for the U21s, with Higgins now itching to shine in the senior team too, away from the comforts of youth football.

He has made the substitutes bench once or twice under Corberan and has even made one professional appearance for his boyhood club in the FA Cup when he was given a 45-minute run-out against Aldershot Town last season.

Higgins will have to remain patient and hope he can excel in making the step-up soon, with Fellows never looking back when he shot up to the senior fold.

How Higgins could become the next Fellows

Fellows was equally known to be a top performer at Premier League 2 level before going on to become a top performer in the Championship. Ineed, he registered eerily similar numbers for the U21s when compared with Higgins.

The West Brom number 31 tallied up two goals and five assists from 26 games for the U21s, with Higgins actually bettering Fellows' output by two in the same age bracket.

24/25 (first team)

3

0

3

23/24 (first team)

36

5

4

23/24 (U21s)

1

0

0

22/23 (U21s)

3

0

1

21/22 (U21s)

19

2

4

Of course, being able to make that leap into the first-team and make it look effortless after playing only youth football is a tricky one to traverse, but Fellows took to the pressures of Championship football like a duck to water last campaign, with five goals and four assists managed in all competitions under Corberan's watchful eye.

The youngster did benefit from a loan spell away at Crawley Town during his development in the U21 structure, with Higgins perhaps looking for a formative stint away from the club lower down the EFL soon, to also prove himself.

This campaign to date, Fellows' importance to the cause has only increased, with three assists managed already this campaign from just three league matches, as the 21-year-old continues to grow in confidence and stature in the men's set-up.

Higgins will want to follow his teammate's upward trajectory, as the Baggies look to uncover more talents in their Academy similar to Fellows, to ensure the future is bright at the West Midlands outfit.

West Brom struck gold on "outstanding" star who's worth more than Styles

West Bromwich Albion are continuing to reap the rewards of this shrewd purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 20, 2024

There has been an update in Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Roma defender, Roger Ibanez…

What's the latest on Ibanez to Tottenham?

According to Italian outlet Roma Giallorossa, the Lilywhites are said to have 'intensified' their contacts with the Serie A side regarding a deal for the 24-year-old, with the report suggesting that a bid for the Brazilian could be imminent.

The piece goes on to add that while Jose Mourinho's side are looking to recoup a fee of around €35m (£30m) if they are to cash on the former Atalanta man this summer, an offer of around €30m (£26m) could well be enough to help reach an agreement.

The report also notes that while London rivals West Ham United are also keeping tabs on the centre-back, it is Spurs who are currently leading the race for his signature, with new boss Ange Postecoglou said to be an 'admirer' of the two-cap international.

Should Tottenham sign Roger Ibanez?

It does appear that defensive recruits are something of a necessity for the aforementioned Postecoglou ahead of next season, particularly with The Telegraph only recently reporting that the likes of Clement Lenglet, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez are all facing uncertain futures at N17.

That need for change has come following a rather disastrous campaign for the club which saw the north London outfit ship 63 goals in the top flight, ensuring they ended the season with the sixth-worst defensive record in the division.

Amid that desperate need to improve an evidently shaky backline, it does appear that long-serving skipper Hugo Lloris is likely to be on his way, with the 36-year-old Frenchman having notably made four errors leading to goals in the league in 2022/23 – the most of any player in the Premier League.

While the veteran asset is not yet out the door, the recent speculation is that Spurs are already closing in on a possible replacement, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that talks are "ongoing" regarding the bid to bring Brentford's David Raya to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Spaniard has warranted that interest after recording the most saves (154) in the division in the most recent campaign, ensuring he could be just the man that Postecoglou needs in the sticks to improve the club's defensive woes.

The ex-Celtic boss could improve the spine of the team even further with the addition of Ibanez, with the "outstanding" talent – as hailed by journalist Josh Bunting – having sparkled at the Stadio Olimpico of late after his part in Roma's surge to the Europa League final.

A player who is something of a rock at the back, the 6 foot 1 ace notably ranks in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for interceptions made, as well as in the top 18% for tackles made, showcasing his ball-winning prowess.

The one-time Fluminense man notably averaged four tackles and interceptions combined per game in 33 Serie A outings in 2022/23, with that a far superior record to the likes of Dier (2.0), Lenglet (2.2) and Sanchez (2.0).

That stellar statistical record would appear to indicate that Ibanez could be the centre-back upgrade that Postecoglou's side are desperately in need of, with it no doubt exciting to imagine the improvements that can be made with the Brazilian – and the aforementioned Raya – lining up in the defensive ranks next term.

Arsenal are still potentially in the market to launch moves for both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo this summer as they aim to bolster their midfield.

How much is Declan Rice worth?

Although Mikel Arteta and his men may have narrowly missed out on landing the Premier League title, it seems they are not looking to dwell on what could have been.

It was a mightily impressive 2022/23 campaign for the north London side until the final stages of the season where their grip on the title faded.

However, looking ahead to the summer, it seems as if Arsenal are looking to make some significant upgrades to their starting XI to launch another title charge for next season.

Indeed, the Gunners have been strongly linked with a potential move for West Ham United's captain with reports claiming they have their opening bid at the ready for the £100m-rated midfielder.

But it also seems as if the north London club could look to add more than just Rice to their midfield this summer with the Brighton & Hove Albion man also on their radar.

And speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has suggested this could be the case with Arsenal potentially launching what would be a huge double swoop this summer:

"Arsenal are still there. I wouldn't rule out Arsenal signing both Declan Rice and Caicedo because we know that Granit Xhaka is going to leave Arsenal. Midfield was an area where they looked a bit light at the end of the season anyway."

What is Arsenal's transfer budget?

According to reports, Arteta is set to be handed a £150m transfer kitty ahead of the summer window which would leave Arsenal seemingly needing to sell a number of players to fund a potential double swoop.

It has also been suggested that Brighton will be looking for a deal in the region of £80m for their Ecuadorian midfielder.

But there is the belief that Arsenal are already eyeing up a number of potential departures from the Emirates Stadium over the coming months.

Indeed, the likes of Jorginho and Granit Xhaka are two midfielders who could soon be packing their bags to join a new club over the summer.

Although that may provide Arsenal some much-needed funds if they are to pursue these two Premier League midfielders, it may not quite be enough.

Neither West Ham nor Brighton will feel pressured into allowing their star talents to depart for a cheaper fee to accommodate Arsenal's transfer budget.

This will potentially leave Arsenal with a decision to make as to whether they need to spend in the region of £180m on two midfielders or whether the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that loaned-out midfielder Tanguy Ndombele could suit the style of football Ange Postecoglou wants to play at Tottenham Hotspur.

Will Tanguy Ndombele ever play for Spurs again?

It is now official that the Celtic manager will be taking charge in North London with the club revealing a four-year deal has already been agreed upon.

After Spurs' disappointing past season – where they finished eighth in the Premier League – Postecoglou will need to assess his squad carefully before deciding who he wants to put his faith in and who he wants to sell.

Of course, though, not all of Tottenham's players were part of the squad last term, with many being sent out on loan. Ndombele was one such individual as he spent the campaign out in Italy with Napoli – just so happening to be part of a team that won the Serie A title, playing 30 games.

Clearly then, the 26-year-old can still deliver the goods in the right environment and perhaps the changes at Spurs could suddenly suit him.

While talking about all this on his YouTube channel, Gold certainly seemed to think that Postecoglou could potentially get the best out of Ndombele.

He explained: "I am quite excited to see what he does for Spurs. I'm intrigued to see what some of the loan players he makes of coming back as well.

"Of course, there's a part of me that does love the Tanguy Ndombele renascence. He certainly, in terms of the way he plays and the bravery of what he wants to do, strikes me as a Postecoglou player.

"But I do think he's going to have to work incredibly hard, which is what's also asked of you in that three in the middle."

Will Ndombele join Napoli permanently?

Despite his success overseas, the French midfielder's future looks pretty uncertain. After all, this is the second time in a row he's been loaned out – having joined Lyon the season prior.

However, it doesn't look as though he'll be moving to Napoli at this moment in time, with Italian media outlet Il Mattino reporting (via Daily Mail) that "Tottenham's forgotten man" is heading back to London this summer because the Serie A Champions can't afford to pay the £26m option to make the deal a permanent transfer.

With this being the case, it looks likely that Ndombele will definitely head back to Spurs in the summer at the very least. From there, who knows? Maybe he'll stick around for preseason and just maybe he'll catch Postecoglou's eye and do enough to earn one last chance to succeed at Tottenham.

Newcastle United are interested in burgeoning OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, with the France international attracting mounting attention after his seasonal exploits.

What's the latest on Khephren Thuram to Newcastle?

That's according to iNews, who claim that with the Magpies looking to sign a midfielder this summer, Thuram is being considered alongside the more attack-minded Leicester City star James Maddison.

United will have to wage transfer battle against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain if they want to capture the 22-year-old, who is valued at €40m (£34m), but boast a newfound stature among Europe's elite consolidated by qualifying for the Champions League this season.

An earlier report confirmed that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and technical director Dan Ashworth have been 'tracking' the ace, and time is now of the essence with the summer market mere moments away.

How would Khephren Thuram perform at Newcastle?

Thuram has been in fine fettle this season and played a central role in his team's Ligue 1 campaign, with the side sitting in ninth place with just one match to play.

As per Sofascore, he has started 30 games and recorded an impressive average rating of 7.04, scoring two goals, providing four assists, completing 87% of his passes, averaging 1.1 shots and key passes per outing, and averaging 1.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.

The one-cap France star has also succeeded with 60% of his dribbles this term, and certainly looks to wield the tools to be the progressive, all-encompassing force Howe desires to ensure this year's success remains intact.

He could thrive in the Magpies' centre, joining the robust fold and bringing his own distinctive aptitude as a "tenacious" machine, as remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Imposing and dominant with the ball, Thuram ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He could be an incredible asset alongside Joelinton, with the striker-turned-conductor himself a destructive midfield presence, ranking among the top 11% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 5% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, also a formidable defensive star and ranking among the top 11% for interceptions and the top 9% for blocks per 90.

Once hailed as "exceptional" by reporter Jordan Cronin for one recent stellar showing, the £85k-per-week star would be enhanced by Thuram's bouncing aura on the alternate side of the centre, emboldened by the composure of Bruno Guimaraes in the middle.

Securing Thuram would be yet another diligent step toward prominence at a level unseen on Tyneside for a considerable amount of time, and he would only heighten the expanding talent at Howe's disposal.

Liverpool are ready to trigger Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte's release clause in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Have Liverpool been linked with Ugarte?

Midfield is clearly the main area of the Reds' team that need improvements this summer, with that part of the pitch causing huge problems throughout this season. The likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have looked past their best, struggled to match their past performance levels, while Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have been unavailable too often through injury, with Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all set to leave when their contracts expire.

A number of new signings are needed in the middle of the park, with three midfield additions mooted, and Ugarte is one player who has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer, having shone for Sporting in 2022/23, standing out as arguably one of Europe's most promising young defensive midfielders.

The £16,000-a-week Uruguayan has started 28 Primeira Liga matches this season, also making 10 appearances in Europe – six in the Champions League and a further four in the Europa League – and proving to be one of his side's most important players.

Now, a fresh update has emerged over Liverpool's pursuit of him in the summer window, as they continue to track both him and Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister, with a move for the Argentine seemingly close.

Could Reds trigger Ugarte's release clause?

According to Le Parisien [via Sport Witness], the Reds are "ready" to pay the €60m (£52.1m) required to trigger Ugarte's release clause at the end of the season, with the 22-year-old preferring the idea of a move to the Premier League instead of Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte could be such a great signing for Liverpool if they get a deal over the line, with the eight-time capped Uruguay international described as a "machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig. His aforementioned bite in the tackle and ability to cover ground are both attributes that the Reds' midfield so badly needs, so he could be viewed as Fabinho's long-term replacement in the No.6 role.

He is also excellent in possession, however, rather than simply being a destroyer off the ball, enjoying a 91.8% pass completion rate in the league this season, as well as 85% and 89.3% in the Champions League and Europa League respectively. At 22, the Sporting man is also still so young, so he could develop into an even more formidable player at Anfield in the coming years, potentially even matching Fabinho's level of influence eventually.