Manchester United lost for the second time in as many Premier League games on Sunday afternoon against Tottenham Hotspur. The North Londoners ran out 1-0 winners over Ruben Amorim’s side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Red Devils now falling to 15th in the table as a result.

It was an early goal which settled the clash, coming just moments after Alejandro Garnacho had a shot from range saved by the returning Guglielmo Vicario. It was James Maddison who scored, getting on the end of a rebound from a Lucas Bergvall shot, which Andre Onana could only parry into the path of the Spurs number ten.

Garnacho had another golden chance moments later but failed to hit the target from inside the 18-year box with no defender putting pressure on him. Mathys Tel, who joined Spurs in January ahead of United, also forced a save out of Onana.

The second half resembled a basketball game in many ways. The Red Devils had a few chances to equalise, with Garnacho squandering some big opportunities, and Joshua Zirkzee glancing a header just wide. However, they could not find a way past Vicario.

It was a really poor performance from United, with Garnacho one of the players who struggled.

Garnacho’s stats vs. Spurs

If things had gone differently in the January transfer window, United’s number 17 could have been playing for their opposition today. Spurs reportedly wanted to sign the winger in the winter window, according to Football Transfers.

However, it was the famous Red shirt of United that the Argentine donned, but he squandered some key chances for his side, and could not find the equaliser.

The best chance came when he blazed over the bar in the first half, but Garnacho also missed a one-on-one and a strike from outside of the box in the second 45.

Performance in Numbers

The tough day at the office for the 20-year-old was showcased in his stats from Sofascore at full-time. Garnacho completed just 72% of his passes, missed one big chance and lost the ball 13 times. It was a disappointing performance.

He certainly has an issue in front of goal this season. As electric as the winger can be, Garnacho has a big chance conversion rate of 14%, the lowest out of players who have had at least ten in the top flight this term, as per Opta.

As bad as the winger was, someone who was arguably worse for the Red Devils was captain Bruno Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes’ stats vs. Spurs

Normally one of the players who is always reliable for United, their captain Fernandes struggled against Spurs. He was constantly involved as always but did not look after the ball well, and although he created chances, didn’t give United that cutting edge like usual.

Football journalist Mina Ibrahim described Fernandes’ performance as a “tough watch”, which certainly rings true when looking at some of his stats. He had a 78% pass accuracy and lost the ball 28 times. It was a disappointing showing from the Red Devils skipper.

Fernandes stats vs. Spurs
Stat	Number
Touches	103
Pass accuracy	78%
Passes completed	54/69
Long balls completed	13/17
Number of times ball lost	28
Crosses completed	4/11
Stats from Sofascore

Richard Martin, a journalist from Goal, gave the Portugal international a 5/10 for his efforts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He explained that, at times, ‘his high positioning left Casemiro with a lot to do’. There were occasions when the Brazilian got caught in two-vs-one situations without Fernandes next to him.

It was a really disappointing showing from Fernandes, who Amorim would have hoped for more from on Sunday afternoon. With his squad threadbare due to injuries and illness, the Red Devils manager had a bench full of academy players without first-team experience.

Perhaps a more influential performance from his captain would have gone a long way to helping United leave North London with at least a point.

It was certainly frustrating that Fernandes, and the likes of Garnacho, could not take the game by the scruff of the neck as United stumbled to another poor defeat.

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More bad news for Amorim…

By
Tom Cunningham

Feb 16, 2025

Liverpool are well down the line in their hunt for the Premier League title and could look to back up their impressive season by producing an exciting summer transfer window.

Liverpool's competitiveness on all fronts set to entice new arrivals

Liverpool managed to ride the storm against Paris Saint-Germain and performed a smash and grab late on to ensure they took a 1-0 lead over the Ligue 1 champions back to Anfield for the second-leg of their Champions League Round of 16 affair.

Harvey Elliott popped up late on to spark jubilant scenes in the away end – Arne Slot’s side showed a different side to their game in the French capital, which has bred optimism that they could go on to claim a sixth crown in Europe’s premier competition.

With the Premier League and Carabao Cup firmly in sight, the Reds are one of the most attractive destinations worldwide for potential new arrivals come the summer. Despite their immediate priority being silverware, plenty of work is going on behind the scenes as the Merseyside giants aim to build on their recent success.

Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez has recently emerged as a Liverpool target following his brilliant form on the south coast this season. If circumstances align, Kostas Tsimikas could depart to make way for the Hungary international.

Liverpool’s top scorers across all competitions

Mohamed Salah

30

Cody Gakpo

16

Luis Diaz

13

Diogo Jota

8

Dominik Szoboszlai

7

Furthermore, contact has been made with Alexander Isak’s representatives over a move to Anfield. Darwin Nunez has cut an unconvincing figure through the middle, heightening the need for attacking reinforcements.

Speculation surrounding incomings at Liverpool is starting to escalate as the season reaches its business end, and the Reds have now made contact over an energetic figure who could add extra steel in the engine room.

Liverpool make contact over Atalanta midfielder Ederson

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have registered their interest in Atalanta midfielder Ederson, making contact to find out his situation with the Europa League holders. The outlet state that the Brazil international remains a long-term priority target for Manchester City and specify that a fee in the region of £50 million may be enough to secure his signature this summer.

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Manchester United may also enter the race to replenish their ageing midfield. Labelled “versatile” by Tim Vickery, Liverpool have previously scouted Ederson, who has registered four goals and two assists in 39 appearances this season for Atalanta.

Famed for his tenacity, the 25-year-old has won 132 duels and made 142 recoveries in Serie A across 2024/25. On the creativity front, he has also fashioned 23 chances alongside recording a pass accuracy rate of 87.8%.

Liverpool wants to establish themselves as the dominant force in English football for years to come, so it makes sense to try to pip their rivals where possible to ensure quality reinforcements arrive at Anfield ahead of next season.

Annabel Sutherland and Alana King claimed three wickets each but rain ruined the day with the match bookended by a three-and-a-half hour delay prior to the start of play before another burst ended the match after just 25.3 overs of West Indies’ inningsThe match was reduced to a 29-over-a-side fixture after heavy rain had fallen throughout the morning in Melbourne leaving puddles on the edge of the square at the Junction Oval. But once the rain stopped, the ground drained quickly and play was able to start without any trouble.Australia elected to bowl and their new ball pair of Megan Schutt and Kim Garth were able to quell West Indies captain Hayley Matthews on her return from a quad injury. She faced seven dot balls in her first 14 deliveries and only struck one boundary before finding the rope three consecutive times off Schutt. But Garth was able to nip one back off the seam and forced Matthews to chop on trying an expansive drive for a run-a-ball 20. Following Matthews’ dismissal, West Indies managed just 73 runs in 20 overs.Alyssa Healy brought King into the attack straight away and she bowled with superb control on return in place of the injured Darcie Brown. She attacked the stumps relentlessly and her control of length was sublime. She clean bowled Stafanie Taylor and trapped Shemaine Campbelle and Zaida James plumb lbw as both tried to sweep length balls.King was left out of the T20I series and missed the opening ODI. She spoke about having worked hard during her time off in Perth after a long tour of the UK which included the Ashes, a series against Ireland, and the Hundred.”I [worked on] just making sure that I owned my length,” King said. “Maybe in the Ashes we drifted to full. So it was just making sure that I bring back that length and challenge both sides of the bat and make sure that all modes of dismissals are in play.”Sutherland benefitted from King’s immaculate control picking up 3 for 6 at the other end and delivering a maiden. During a 14-over stretch after the 10th, West Indies managed 30 runs.Australia looked on track to bowl West Indies out inside 29 overs but the wind picked up and a big storm blew through late in the afternoon. The game finished in quite amusing fashion with Australia’s players forced to help the Junction Oval ground staff pull the large covers on in high winds with the rain pelting down sideways.”We were right on top there,” King said. “We just needed a couple more wickets to get the job done. But that’s Melbourne’s weather for you, unfortunately. All we can do is focus on the next game which is Saturday and hopefully wrap up the series.”Australia retain their 1-0 series lead heading into the final match on Saturday, which is also at the Junction Oval.

The fast bowler had earned a recall for the three one-dayers next month

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jan-2024

Jhye Richardson faces another spell on the sideline•Getty Images

Perth Scorchers quick Jhye Richardson has been ruled out of the remainder of the BBL due to a left side strain and is a major doubt for the ODI series against West Indies next month.Richardson pulled up sore after Scorchers’ match against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba and subsequent scans showed the severity of the injury.He had not been at his best this season with six wickets and 40.33 in matches with an economy rate 9.18 but had earned a recall to the Australia squad for the first time since 2022 for the three ODIs against West Indies.Richardson has had to deal with a number of injuries during his career and is still unable to throw properly in the outfield following shoulder dislocations that required surgery. He was picked up at the recent IPL auction by Delhi Capitals.Scorchers are in a fight to secure second spot in the BBL table which would allow them two chances to reach the final. Heat secured hosting rights for the Qualifier final with their victory over Scorchers earlier in the week.The ODI series against West Indies starts in Melbourne on February 2.

The Red Devils are selling their most exciting prospect in a decade on the whim of the coach – but what if the Portuguese proves to be the wrong man?

The last time Manchester United achieved their worst Premier League points total, supporters looked to the club's youth academy for hope. They found it in Alejandro Garnacho, who fired the young Red Devils to FA Youth Cup glory with seven goals, including two in the final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. Two years later, Garnacho did it again, but this time in the senior FA Cup, scoring alongside his old academy team-mate Kobbie Mainoo to sink Manchester City at Wembley.

Garnacho and Mainoo had been the only positive stories of another wretched campaign in 2023-24, when United registered their worst league finish in 34 years, though Garnacho took more of the limelight thanks to his show-stopping moments, which included braces against West Ham Chelsea and Aston Villa as well as his sensational bicycle kick at Everton, which won the Premier League's Goal of the Season award.

But after another dismal season for United where they earned their lowest points total in Premier League history and posted their worst league finish since being relegated in 1974, Garnacho is no longer a source of hope. He has instead become the scapegoat for the team's problems and is being hounded out by Ruben Amorim.

Getty No going back

Amorim has his reasons for casting Garnacho aside, with the player's petulant remarks after not starting the Europa League final being the most serious in a line of missteps.

The coach did not approve of Garnacho'ss attitude to training less than one month after taking the United job, and dropped him for the derby at Manchester City in December along with Marcus Rashford. Amorim quickly reintegrated Garnacho – unlike Rashford – and praised him for showing an improved attitude and adapting to his style of play, only for the Portuguese to be embarrassed by the player storming down the tunnel after being substituted against Ipswich Town. It was an act which hit Garnacho in the pocket as he invited the team out to dinner to say sorry.

Now, though, there is no going back after Amorim informed Garnacho in front of his team-mates at training last Saturday that he would have to leave the club this summer. The player can have no real complaints. In the now infamous interview with Spanish media in the mixed zone at San Mames – in which the player had protested about not starting the final and criticised his side for "beating no one in the league" – he had suggested he was already considering his future. "I'm going to enjoy the summer and see what happens after," he said.

While neither Garnacho's representatives nor United have commented on Amorim's reported ultimatum, the winger's girlfriend sought to take control of the narrative by announcing on Instagram that the season-ending game against Aston Villa – which the winger was not included in the squad for – was her last. Garnacho's body language during the post-season tour of Asia, meanwhile, has also painted the picture of a player who does not have much of a future at United.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesOffers will flood in

Amorim reportedly told Garnacho "you better pray a club wants to sign you", but the truth is the player should have no issues finding any suitors. Napoli were keen on him in January, although their £40 million ($53m) bid was rejected by United. Chelsea were also interested, while in the aftermath of Saturday's showdown talks with Amorim it has been reported that Napoli have renewed their interest in Garnacho while AC Milan have also entered the race.

Garnacho's numbers in a badly-performing United team should also help his cause. He has contributed to 48 goals in 144 appearances for United, many of which were not starts. He is also a prolific chance-creator and has been playing in a team that is severely lacking in a proper presence inside the box. Data shows that Garnacho provides the third-most balls across the goal in Europe's top five leagues among players aged under 21, only trailing Lamine Yamal and Desire Doue.

Garnacho has also got an excellent fitness record. The only major absence in his three years with the first team at Old Trafford came after he suffered an unfortunate ankle injury against Southampton in March 2023, which led him to miss just under two months of action. Otherwise he is capable of playing twice a week and giving his all while doing so.

Described as "a showman" by United's head of academy Nick Cox – the man who signed him from Atletico Madrid in 2020 – Garnacho has a knack for generating excitement every time he picks the ball up. And let's not forget he does not turn 21 until July, meaning offers are sure to flood in when the transfer window opens. All Amorim has done is drive the price down as interested clubs will know that the coach has now staked his reputation on getting rid of of one of his most decisive attackers.

Getty ImagesLife is good beyond United

United have got rid of plenty of players in the last couple of years who they felt were not performing well enough, only to see them excel elsewhere. A whole host of flagging careers have been completely revitalised since leaving Old Trafford.

Rashford has played his way back into the England squad thanks to his performances on loan at Aston Villa, while fellow wide forward Antony has become an icon at Real Betis and earned a recall to the Brazil squad.

Scott McTominay has achieved legendary status at Napoli; David de Gea has rediscovered his love for the game after coming close to retirement following his acrimonious departure from the club; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, always seen as a one-v-one defending specialist, has turned into one of West Ham's best attackers; Anthony Elanga has helped propel Nottingham Forest back into Europe.

These players, who were regarded as anywhere between underwhelming and total flop status, have discovered that life beyond United can be far more enjoyable than within the walls of Old Trafford and Carrington. So as one of the best players United have had in the last couple of years, Garnacho has nothing to fear about taking his career in a new direction.

United, though, have a lot to lose.

Getty Images SportMassive talent & ambition

Garnacho has often resembled a young Cristiano Ronaldo in his first few years at United. Ronaldo, like Garnacho, came into the senior team as an 18-year-old and generated huge excitement with his debut display against Bolton Wanderers. But in those early years, he was also frustrating and often unproductive. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored only 18 times in his first three campaigns in the Premier League despite playing for a United team challenging for the title. In a team that finished eighth last year and 15th this season, Garnacho has a total of 16 league goals.

He became the first teenager to score in an FA Cup final for 20 years. The last to do so? Ronaldo. Garnacho's bicycle kick at Everton also drew comparisons with Ronaldo's goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018, in addition to Wayne Rooney's famous strike against Manchester City in 2011. Both players pulled off their goals at the height of their careers, while Garnacho was in the infancy of his.

The forward's comments after the Europa League final game did smack of self-importance, but they also showed Garnacho's confidence. This is a player who has never lacked ambition, belief or drive. When Cox was trying to assess Garnacho's character when attempting to sign him in 2020, he recalled to GOAL: "He knew that he wanted to be the best footballer he could possibly be and would have gone to any length to do that. He had a hunger to play in the Premier League and he had a real appetite to play for Manchester United."

West Ham United could make a move for a “magnificent” striker who’s scored 11 goals this season, alongside top target Jonathan David, according to a report.

David emerges as priority signing

David is out of contract with Lille at the end of the season, meaning he is set to be available on a free transfer, and West Ham boss Graham Potter has identified him as his top target to strengthen his frontline.

It will not be easy to win the race for the Lille star, however, with the aforementioned report revealing the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus are also keen, and more recently Barcelona have been mentioned as potential suitors.

The Canadian is said to favour a move to the Camp Nou, but the Hammers could have a major advantage in the race for his signature, as they are able to outspend the La Liga side.

In fact, the Irons have now submitted a contract offer worth a total of £16.5m, in an attempt to beat the European giants to the 25-year-old, but he is not the only striker they have in mind for a summer move.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, West Ham could also make a move for Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha at the end of the season, with Potter keen on bringing in some additional firepower in attack.

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The Hammers have been impressed by Emegha’s red-hot form since returning from injury, and there is a chance he could be brought in alongside David, with club chiefs planning to bring in two forwards ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

There could be competition for the forward’s signature, however, with Newcastle United also named as potential suitors, while Chelsea could have a major advantage if they decide to make a move, given that Strasbourg are the Blues’ sister club.

West Ham need new forward options

West Ham have had some bad luck on the injury front this season, with Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio being ruled out, and given their ages, the duo are likely to be approaching the twilight years of their careers.

Considering Potter’s side have also scored just 30 Premier League goals this season, the second-fewest outside the relegation zone, it makes sense to bring in two new forwards this summer, and there are signs Emegha could be a good acquisition.

At 22-years-old, the Dutchman is at the right age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, and he has scored 11 goals in 19 Ligue 1 appearances, while also providing two assists.

That said, David should remain West Ham’s priority target for the summer, given that the Canada international has proven himself over a number of years in Ligue 1, while also impressing in the Champions League this year, registering six goals and two assists.

The tournament will be held in two cities with Bengaluru hosting the first half and Delhi the second including the knockouts

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jan-2024Defending champions Mumbai Indians and 2023 runners-up Delhi Capitals are set to kick off the 2024 edition of Women’s Premier League (WPL) on February 23 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.The five-team competition will have a total of 22 matches, with the final set to be played on March 17. After the entire tournament was held only in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai in 2023, the WPL this season will be hosted across two venues: Bengaluru and Delhi. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the first half of the tournament – the first 11 matches – will be held in Bengaluru while Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium will host the final 11 games, which includes the knockouts.Royal Challengers Bangalore will start their campaign against UP Warriorz on February 24 while Gujarat Giants play their first game of the season against Mumbai on February 25. The Delhi leg of the tournament gets underway on March 5 again with Capitals taking on Mumbai in the return fixture.Related

• Athapaththu: 'Rejection is a kind of motivation for me'

• Klinger replaces Haynes as Gujarat Giants head coach at WPL

• 'What! 1.3 lakh?' – Big-hitting Vrinda Dinesh tells the story of her big payday

• Uncapped Kashvee and Vrinda make biggest splash at WPL auction

• Capitals look for more gains with a 'fully committed' Lanning

With no double-header days scheduled, there will be one league-stage game every day from February 23 to March 13. The Eliminator will be held on March 15, with the final on March 17 in Delhi. Each team will play eight games, before the league topper goes into the final, with teams finishing second and third on the points table facing off in the Eliminator for the other spot in the final.In the 2024 WPL auction held in December last year, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland (Capitals) and India uncapped Kaashvee Gautam (Giants) earned big bids of INR 2 crore each. Vrinda Dinesh, another uncapped Indian, was picked up for INR 1.3 crore by Warriorz while Mumbai splurged INR 1.2 crore on South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail. Pheobe Litchfield also got big money having been picked up by Giants for INR 1 crore.The Harmnapreet Kaur-led Mumbai were crowned champions of the inaugural WPL after they defeated Capitals by seven wickets in what was a one-sided final. It was Nat-Sciver Brunt who led the way scoring an unbeaten 55-ball 60 as Mumbai overhauled the 132-run target with ease.

Joshua Zirkzee has been backed to become a "superstar" at Manchester United despite an underwhelming first season at Old Trafford.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Zirkzee failed to fire at Man Utd
• Backed to be "superstar" next season
• Described as a "real baller" by ex-United star

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 23-year-old swapped Bologna for United last summer in a £36 million ($46m) deal but he has scored just seven goals in 48 games since then. However, club legend Lee Sharpe has described him as a "real baller" and someone who can come good next term.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT SHARP SAID

  The former United star told The Metro: "I like Zirkzee – he was unfortunate to get injured when he did, but he’s a real baller and I think he can be a superstar for Manchester United if he can get games under his belt. He needs a regular run. I don’t think he’s had a 10-game stint where he has actually played week in, week out. There were reports that he wasn’t quite fit when he signed, so it took him a bit of time to get up to speed. I think he was just finding his feet when he got injured but I think he’s going to prove a real key player next season."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite this praise, Zirkzee has, arguably, been one of the most disappointing signings made in the Premier League this season. His goal return is poor, and the Dutchman has already been linked with a Serie A switch. Injuries have curtailed his game time recently but it remains to be seen if United will cash in or give him another chance.

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Zirkzee is back in training ahead of United's Europa League final clash against Tottenham on Wednesday but it is up in the air over what role he will play in the contest.

حقق الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الاتفاق الفوز على نظيره الخلود، بهدفين مقابل هدف، في افتتاح مواجهات الدوري السعودي، اليوم الخميس.

واستضاف الاتفاق، المحترف ضمن صفوفه المهاجم المصري أحمد حسن كوكا، الفوز على الخلود، مساء اليوم بملعب إيجو في الدمام، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من عمر مسابقة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين.

طالع| كوكا في رسالة مؤثرة بعد استشهاد أنس الشريف: الإدانة لكل مجرم حرب

وكان كوكا قد انضم إلى الاتفاق في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية قادمًا من لوهافر الفرنسي في صفقة انتقال حر، بعقد لمدة موسم.

وشهدت المباراة غياب كوكا عن الاتفاق في مواجهة الخلود، بعد معاقبته بالإيقاف 4 مباريات 2 منها مع إيقاف التنفيذ، بقرار من لجنة التأديب التابعة للرابطة الفرنسية لإخفائه شعار “المثلية الجنسية” بقميصه مع فريقه السابق لوهافر بآخر جولات دوري الموسم الماضي.

وتقدم الاتفاق بالهدف الأول عن طريق موهاو نكوتا في الدقيقة السابعة، بعد تصويبة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء، سكنت شباك الضيوف ولم ينجح الحارس في التعامل معها.

وتعادل الخلود سريعا عن طريق جون باكلي في الدقيقة 36، بعد عرضية من جانب ميزياني ماوليدا، قابلها باكلي برأسية سكنت شباك مارك روداك حارس مرمى الاتفاق.

وفي الشوط الثاني، نجح فريق الاتفاق في خطف هدف الفوز في الدقيقة 61، عن طريق جورجينيو فينالدوم، بعد عرضية من خالد الغنام وضها فينالدوم في الشباك، ليخطف ثلاث نقاط مهمة.

وبهذه النتيجة، ينجح فريق الاتفاق في خطف أول ثلاث نقاط في الدوري السعودي للمحترفين، بينما يبقى الخلود دون أي نقاط. أهداف مباراة الاتفاق والخلود

There is no escaping from it: this season has been a complete disaster for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are 14th in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup, and while they have a chance of winning the Europa League, it feels incredibly slim.

Moreover, while the Australian has had to deal with a mountain of injuries this year, he had what was almost a full-strength team on Sunday and still lost away to Fulham.

So, following their 19th loss in all competitions over the weekend, it wasn’t a massive surprise to see a whole host of managers linked with the Lilywhites’ job, including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard has done a marvellous job on the south coast, but what would his dream Spurs lineup look like if he was appointed in the summer and allowed to bring in some new signings?

Games (All Comps)

33

46

Wins

15

21

Draws

8

6

Losses

10

19

Points per Game

1.61

1.50

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

Perhaps a couple of months ago, just after Antonín Kinský’s impressive debut against Liverpool, this spot would have at least been up for debate.

However, as time went on, the young Czech shot-stopper made the sort of mistakes you’d expect a young goalkeeper to make, and since he returned from injury, Guglielmo Vicario has reminded everyone just how good he can be.

The Italian is a brilliant shot-stopper, and while he can sometimes make the odd mistake, he’s undoubtedly going to remain Spurs’ number one next season, regardless of who is in the dugout.

2 RB – Djed Spence

The first outfield player in the lineup is one of the few who can come out of this season with his head held high: Djed Spence.

Since he was given a proper chance to prove his worth in December, the “swashbuckling” right-back, as dubbed by Ian Wright, has been one of the Lilywhites’ best players.

Like Pedro Porro, the Englishman can be lethal in attack, but unlike the Spaniard, he can also be trusted to do the defensive side of the role and do it to a high standard as well.

3 CB – Marc Guéhi

Fans might not want to hear this, but based on recent reports, it looks like there is a real chance that Cristian Romero could be on his way to Real Madrid in the summer.

However, while the Argentine would certainly be a loss, Iraola could potentially replace him with the incredible Marc Guéhi, who was the subject of a £70m bid from Spurs in the winter window.

The Englishman might not quite have the pedigree of the World Cup winner, but despite being just 24 years old, the 6 foot titan has already amassed 206 first-team appearances across his career, with 145 of those coming for Palace, 59 with Swansea City and two with Chelsea.

Moreover, he was an integral part of the England side that reached the final of the European Championships in the summer, so he is clearly someone who thrives in high-pressure situations, which could be just what the Lilywhites need.

4 CB – Micky van de Ven

Alongside Guéhi will be the sensational Micky van de Ven, who, when fit, is undoubtedly one of Tottenham’s most important players.

The Dutch international, who respected talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “complete & dominant”, is the perfect defender for a team that want to play aggressive and expressive football, as his record-setting speed means he can get back to stop counter-attacks when other centre-backs simply can’t.

Now, there are still serious question marks over his ability to remain fit, but you’ve got to live in hope, right?

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Rounding out the defence is another player who has battled with injuries, Destiny Udogie.

It would be fair to say that the Italian international has not had the best of campaigns this season, but it should not be forgotten just how good he was in his first year at the club.

Appearances

58

Starts

55

Minutes

4691′

Goals

2

Assists

4

Points per Game

1.77

In 23/24, the Verona-born “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Travis Levison, made 30 appearances, in which he scored two goals, provided three assists and became the first Tottenham player ever to be nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.

Therefore, it would make sense for Iraola to give him another season to see how he fares in a new system, as the talent there is undeniable.

6 DM – Angel Gomes

Moving into the midfield, the second new face in the lineup is that of LOSC Lille star Angel Gomes.

The Englishman’s contract with the French side expires this summer, meaning he’ll be available for free, and Spurs have made no secret of their admiration for him.

It’s easy to understand why the North Londoners would want to sign the “special” 24-year-old, as dubbed by former manager Jocelyn Gourvennec, as not only can he help mop up opposition attacks at the base of midfield, but he can start his own thanks to his brilliant passing range and impressive ball control.

For example, FBref has placed him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for expected assisted goals and penalty kicks won, the top 3% for goal-creating actions from take-ons, the top 5% for passes into the penalty area and the top 8% for key passes, all per 90.

7 CM – James Maddison

Slotting in just ahead of Gomes will be fellow Englishman James Maddison.

The former Leicester City star can be an incredibly frustrating player at times, someone who can fade out of games, but when he’s on song, the midfielder is undoubtedly one of the most creative and dangerous in the Premier League.

For example, in just 38 appearances this season, the Coventry-born star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.11 games.

8 CM – Dejan Kulusevski

Rounding out the midfield will be arguably Tottenham’s best player, Dejan Kulusevski.

Initially signed as a winger, the “world-class” Swede, as dubbed by Kulig, has been in scintillating form this season, much of which he has spent in the middle of the park.

Appearances

42

Minutes

3054′

Goals

10

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

152.7′

In all, the former Juventus star has scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 42 appearances for the Lilywhites this year, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.1 games.

9 RW – Antoine Semenyo

Starting at right-wing, it could be one of Iraola’s star men this season: Antoine Semenyo.

The “unplayable” Bournemouth winger, as dubbed by journalist Ed Aarons, has been in incredible form this season, racking up a tally of nine goals and five assists in just 32 appearances for the Cherries.

That means the 25-year-old, whom analyst Ben Mattinson described as possessing “powerful ambipedal ball striking,” is averaging a goal involvement every 2.28 games for a team outside the traditional ‘big six.’

10 ST – Dominic Solanke

Starting up top will be the club’s current record signing: Dominic Solanke.

While the former Bournemouth man has had to endure some time out due to injury this season, he’s looked great when he’s been on the pitch.

For example, in 33 appearances, the Basingstoke-born monster has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games and demonstrates that he’s more than just a goal threat.